Archive: Nov 2010

  1. Partnership at Henley

    Visiting the Henley partnership schools proved interesting, if somewhat crowded. All fifty of us were packed into the ICT suite – kindly provided by the high school. However trying to have eye contact with all members of the group was a real challenge! The staff demonstrated that they are keen to extend and continue their work in listening skills with their pupils. Although we were a large group in a smallish space, we just about managed to split into two for the experiential workshops. It was difficult not to overhear, and become distracted by, what the others were saying – so a lesson for us in future is to make sure that the venue is big enough! We were warmly welcomed and one member of staff said of the session: “Yes it was very useful. I think my own philosophy for learning is very similar to the ethos of this session.”

  2. Philosophy on Radio 4

    How exciting to hear of the importance of primary school philosophy on Radio 4 Woman’s Hour this week (27/10/10). A philosophy student at Warwick University talked about how her interest in philosophy started as a child when she explored questions such as “why am I me and not someone else” with her friend – showing how natural this thinking in children and how important it is to encourage and develop it. The two guests on the programme, Dr Angie Hobbs and Professor Helen Beebee had both seen philosophy with primary children at work “Absolutely inspirational” was the verdict of Dr Hobbs after witnessing 8 and 9 year olds in a critical thinking skills session led by SAPERE exploring the difference between wants and needs. “Marvellous, philosophy really teaches you how to think about things for yourself” was the comment from Professor Beebeee.