‘Children are naturally nosy. They enter school with a wealth of unanswered questions.’
Steve Bowkett.
Why do we teach philosophy?
The aim of teaching philosophy is to encourage CRITICAL THINKING skills.
‘It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well’.
Rene Descartes
The aim of philosophy is to make our lives better.
‘Our discussion is about no ordinary matter; but on the right way to live our lives.’
Plato
The aim of philosophy is to encourage inclusivity and promote understanding of social/ cultural / religious issues in our community.
‘I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.’
Voltaire.
Is it of any use?
OFSTED and P4C: (ref: ‘But Why?’ Network Educational Press: Sara Stanley & Steve Bowkett
The inclusion of philosophy contributes towards and directly impacts on:
- Positive attitudes to themselves and others: respecting others
- Telling right from wrong in a reflective and mature manner
- Speaking with confidence
- Listening to each other and with concentration
- Responding to questions
- Taking an active part in discussions
- Offering confidently their own personal feelings and opinions in an atmosphere of trust and respect.
How is it taught?
- Our pupils are introduced into the world of philosophy through discussion and debate that arises from their curriculum.
- A new ‘thought’ is introduced every half term for every year group which is presented as a session during the Music lessons OR by the class teacher.
- A set of ‘key questions’ is set up accompanied by a relevant image to stimulate ideas.
- A blog is set up on the Learning Zone to which pupils contribute their ideas.
- ALL comments are moderated before publication.
- This ‘blogging’ is a key element of our training in their Digital Literacy.
- Topics are year group specific but any child, teacher, parent can contribute – again, moderated.