Philosophy for Children (P4C) is a subject that encourages young minds to think deeply, ask questions and explore the world around them through curiosity, imagination and reflection. At its core, P4C is about nurturing the ability to think critically and articulate one’s thoughts clearly.
Curiosity is the starting point of any philosophical inquiry. Children are encouraged to ask “Why?” and “What if?” questions about the world, themselves and the concepts they encounter. By promoting a sense of wonder, P4C helps young people develop a love for exploration, fostering the kind of open-ended thinking that leads to deeper understanding.
In our lessons this half-term, imagination has played a vital role. It has allowed the children to envision different perspectives, consider hypothetical scenarios and think beyond the confines of what they already know. Imagination has helped us create new ideas and questions, allowing the children to approach complex ideas in a creative and innovative way.
Articulation and Oracy:
Being able to express thoughts clearly and effectively is a crucial skill in P4C. Children learn to articulate their ideas, arguments and questions, which promotes better communication and listening skills. This process encourages respectful dialogue and helps students build the confidence to voice their opinions while considering others’ viewpoints.
After our discussions, students have been encouraged to think about their own beliefs, the reasoning behind them and how their perspectives might have changed. This reflective process is helping to nurture self-awareness and the ability to engage in thoughtful self-examination and considered inquiry.