P4C Policy

P4C Overview

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.

Curriculum Drivers

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.

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.

Awe and 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.

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.

Language and 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.