Philosophy for Children
'To provide a broad and balanced education which will help children and young people grow to their full human potential, and pay regard to the formation of the whole person’ (Christ at the Centre).
As a Catholic School we are constantly looking for ways for children to reflect - reflect on their actions, their beliefs and their faith. We train our staff to offer Philosophy for Children lessons - encouraging children to think critically, creatively, collaboratively and caringly. These sessions take place during lessons - asking deep, probing questions, offering opportunities for children to change their minds and disagree amicably - structuring thoughtful discussion.
Academic Excellence
Research shows that P4C supports the cognitive speaking and listening and reasoning skills that equip our children to become critical thinkers who will be ready for the challenges that secondary school and adulthood can bring. Further information can be found by clicking this link - www.sapere.org.uk. It supports our whole curriculum and works hand in hand with our Public Speaking programme.
Diversity
All children can access P4C, and are actively encouraged to engage in discussions; using the core principles of the 4C demonstrating:
Caring: understanding others and being respectful of different opinions
Collaboration: finding solutions together
Creativity : making connections and thinking of new ideas and thinking
Critically: understanding what we think and why
They should do this whilst always remembering, it’s okay to change your mind, it’s alright to disagree, as long as you are respectful and that everyone’s ideas must be valued.
Action
As a value led school we expect our pupils to live out their values by acting to uphold the Christian love of Humanity that is Caritas. They are encouraged to take-action on issues that matter to them, locally and globally. They will develop a sense of their place in the world as individuals, members of society and the global community. They will be able to demonstrate caring for others, be thoughtful and reflective, making links with our values each term and our R.E. teaching and learning.
