What is Philosophy for Children?

  • An enquiry based approach to open up children’s learning through the exploration of ideas.
  • Gives children the possibility of seeing that their ideas have value, and that others have different ideas that have value too.
  • They realise that they don’t always have to be right.
  • They have the confidence to ask questions and learn through discussion.
  • All learners (including teachers) have opportunities to genuinely enquire.
  • A chance to speak and be heard without fear of getting an answer wrong.
  • Intelligence grows.
  • Gives children who are not considered “academic” a voice and a chance to flourish.
  • Gives the “academic” children a chance to think outside the box and to see that the non-academic have inspiring ideas.
  • Gives all children value

Implementation

At Holy Family, children will be taught to think philosophically and how to create their own philosophical questions. Children will learn how to debate and articulate their ideas. They will make links between key concepts and will examine deep questions through philosophical enquiry.

Implementation

Philosophy for Children (P4C) is planned for through the curriculum overviews. Children are aware of the sub topics that allow philosophical dialogue. There will also be time for unplanned P4C for instance, when a question is raised that needs discussing. A range of curriculum areas will be linked in with P4C and over time, it will become embedded in the learning. P4C experiences will be recorded and celebrated in a range of ways e.g Seesaw, Facebook, home learning books and class P4C books.

Impact

Children will have a secure knowledge of what P4C is and the skills to become a deeper thinker.

Children will become more systematic thinkers.

Children will listen actively and respond appropriately.

All children will be able to challenge their understanding.

Children will have exposure to rich, relevant philosophical language which they can apply at an age appropriate level.