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The Priory Primary

School

Subject Leader

Miss Collins

Link Governor

J Heslop

Philosophy for Children Policy

Intent

Our intent is to nurture young minds, encouraging them to think critically, ask profound questions, and engage in meaningful discussions. Through thought-provoking activities and open-ended inquiries, we aim to develop the skills of reasoning, reflection, and respectful dialogue.

 

Our primary goal is to create a safe and stimulating environment where each child's voice is valued, fostering a sense of curiosity and a love for learning. Together, we aim to build a community of young philosophers who approach the world with inquisitiveness and a thirst for understanding.

Cultural Heritage

  • P4C facilitates the exploration of cultural heritage through philosophical discussions, helping children understand diverse perspectives on fundamental concepts like justice, morality, and truth.

  • P4C fosters respect for cultural diversity by creating an environment where pupils appreciate and value various cultural backgrounds, promoting empathy and tolerance.

  • P4C encourages the examination of ethical dilemmas within the context of cultural heritage, deepening the understanding of how cultural values influence moral reasoning.

  • Integrating cultural stories into P4C sessions enhances cultural awareness, connecting philosophical discussions with real-world experiences and exploring themes embedded in pupils' cultural heritage.

  • P4C develops critical thinking skills by analysing and evaluating ideas within the context of cultural heritage, connecting pupils with the intellectual contributions of different societies, and fostering a sense of global citizenship.

Awe & Wonder

  • P4C encourages children to explore profound questions about existence, purpose, and the world, leading to a sense of awe as they contemplate life's mysteries.

  • Philosophical discussions in P4C expose pupils to diverse ideas, fostering an appreciation for the intricacies of the world and evoking a sense of wonder at the vastness of knowledge.

  • P4C values diverse perspectives, promoting an appreciation for different opinions and beliefs, and creating a sense of wonder at the richness of human thought.

  • P4C involves ethical dilemmas, challenging pupils to grapple with moral questions and inspiring a sense of awe as they contemplate the complexity of ethical considerations.

  • Philosophy's core curiosity is nurtured in P4C, motivating children to ask questions, explore ideas, and seek understanding, evoking a sense of awe as they uncover the mysteries of the world.

Aspirations

  • P4C facilitates self-awareness in pupils by providing a platform for expressing and exploring their aspirations, including dreams, goals, and visions for the future.

  • P4C helps develop goal-setting skills through philosophical inquiry, guiding pupils to understand the steps needed to turn aspirations into concrete plans and emphasising the importance of goal-setting in realising dreams.

  • Critical thinking skills are honed in P4C, enabling informed decision-making related to aspirations by evaluating perspectives and making thoughtful choices aligned with goals.

  • P4C builds confidence in pupils to articulate and defend their thoughts about aspirations, enhancing communication skills and empowering them to share their goals with others.

  • Self-exploration of values and beliefs in P4C aligns with aspirations, fostering ethical considerations and contributing positively to personal and community well-being.

Curriculum Overview

Experiential Learning

  • P4C sessions involve dynamic dialogue where pupils actively contribute and respond, fostering a deeper understanding of philosophical concepts through direct experience.

  • P4C includes problem-solving activities that apply philosophical thinking to real-life situations, promoting practical learning as pupils explore solutions and learn from their choices.

  • P4C incorporates role-playing and scenario-based discussions, encouraging empathy and a nuanced understanding of diverse perspectives through experiential learning.

  • Experiential learning in P4C is grounded in reflective inquiry, prompting pupils to reflect on their beliefs and values during philosophical discussions, connecting abstract concepts to lived experiences.

  • P4C encourages pupils to draw connections between philosophical ideas and real-world experiences, making the learning process more relevant and experientially rich as they explore daily life applications.

Langage & Oracy

  • P4C emphasises meaningful dialogue, and developing effective communication skills in pupils through regular participation in philosophical discussions.

  • Engaging in P4C fosters active listening skills, enhancing comprehension and thoughtful responses, contributing to the development of effective oracy skills.

  • P4C exposes pupils to a diverse vocabulary as they explore complex philosophical concepts, expanding their language and enabling more eloquent self-expression.

  • Philosophy encourages the art of questioning, and P4C specifically emphasises the skill of asking thoughtful and probing questions, promoting intellectual curiosity and refining oracy skills.

  • P4C involves constructing and presenting logical arguments, strengthening the ability to support ideas with evidence, and engaging in persuasive discourse, contributing to advanced oracy skills.

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