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    Philosophy Masterclass Programme Spring 2024

    What is knowledge? What is truth? What do we mean by the nature and meaning of life?

    Our Philosophy Masterclasses aim to bring together like-minded Year 5 children from local primary schools to explore fundamental ideas such as these.

    Based on the Philosophy for Children (P4C) approach to this subject, our sessions will each start with a stimulus and the children will then be encouraged to draw on their imagination to ask a question based on wonderment (I wonder why…?). They will then make a collective decision on the question they are most interested in and the enquiry will then start, but not be contained. It will follow its own path guided by the children’s thoughts and ideas, agreeing and disagreeing, but with them always giving a reason for their point of view. 

    In a nutshell, P4C builds higher-order thinking, questioning, speaking and listening skills and can build confidence. It creates respect for others, promotes engagement with learning and enhances educational development. 

    Each week, the course will explore one or more themes such as:

    • Happiness
    • Freedom
    • Good luck and bad luck
    • Circus panda
    • Is it art?
    • Republic Island
       

    Still not sure whether to apply? 

    Look at our Testimonials page to see what others think of our Masterclasses programme.
     

    Dates, times and how to apply

    This Spring Term course will be held on the following Saturdays in 2024: 2 March, 9 March, 16 March and 23 March.

    The timings, including the introductory briefing for parents and final week presentation, will be:

      Philosophy Course
    Week(s) Intro Briefing Class Final Presentation
    1 0900-0915 0915-1045  
    2 and 3   0900-1030  
    4   0900-1030 1030-1045

    Although each session is independent of the others, we expect children to attend all the Masterclasses in the 4 week programme.  There is no charge, but places are limited, and we cannot guarantee a place for every child who applies. 

    We have written to the headteachers of participating schools to invite them to nominate suitable children. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2024. We will email all parents/carers to inform them of their success (or otherwise) in obtaining a place by 10 February. Please check your junk/spam box if you have not heard from us by this date.

    CLICK HERE TO APPLY