Philosophy for Children is a teaching approach used at Downs Junior School to explore and developing a more reflective and deeper understanding of the world around us.
Children are encouraged to think privately about rich stories, poems, music and pictures then share their thoughts through a key question. Children are taught how to create their own philosophical questions. For example, the question might be: ‘Is it ever ok to steal?’ They are encouraged to use reasoning skills to explain why they have suggested a thought, but also be given freedom to change their mind. Philosophy for children is integrated into subject areas, including: PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and RE.
In an ever more complex and fast-paced world P4C provides a safe and structured model to develop a community of enquirers, giving space for the profound questions children have about their world.
