This half-term, our classrooms have been filled with learning and also lots of thinking — the kind that makes us pause, question, and see the world in new ways. Through Philosophy for Children (P4C), pupils across the school have been exploring big questions connected to their learning themes, showing care, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking in their discussions.
Here’s how our young philosophers have been thinking deeply this half term:
EYFS and Year One – While our youngest learners in EYFS have been exploring concepts such as kindness, community and good versus bad, Year One have been taking a closer look at their local community and discovering how Chrisp Street has changed through the years. Their P4C questions such as, “Does change always make things better?” led to some wonderful reflections about buildings, people, and memories. They also asked, “What makes a place special?” — and many agreed it’s the people and kindness that make a community feel like home.
Year 2 have been thinking about the people who help us in the community every day and especially the emergency services. Their philosophical discussions included, “Is being brave the same as being kind?” and “Do you have to wear a uniform to be a hero?” The children showed incredible empathy, recognising that courage comes in many forms – from firefighters and doctors to friends who help one another in the classroom and in the playground.
Year 3 explored how the Festival of Britain brought hope and celebration to the nation after difficult times. They asked: “Why do people need festivals?” and “Can our communities help change how we feel about the world?” , while Year 4 delved into history and symbolism with Richard III. Using their topic of The Tower of London, Year 4 considered fairness, memory and how we decide what is worth preserving. Their thoughts in their P4C lessons led them to wonder, “Can something be both beautiful and frightening?”
Year 5 have been uncovering London’s rich trading history as they found out about Docklands and its significance to World trade. Their P4C questions took them beyond economics into ethics as they considered whether trade was, and still is, fair, while also discussing, “Can progress for some people mean loss for others?”
While they debated global responsibility and how our actions connect us to people all around the world, Year 6 classes linked our community’s local history with justice and equality as they learnt about the Poplar Rates Rebellion. Their discussions after simply asking “What makes something fair?” showed maturity and moral awareness, and they thoroughly enjoyed their ongoing questions about leadership, fairness and “When is it right to break the rules?”
From Chrisp Street to the Docklands, and from local heroes to historic rebellions, our pupils have been thinking deeply about the world around them and their place within it. Through P4C, they are learning that there isn’t always one right answer — but there is always value in listening, questioning, and thinking together.
To build on our discussions at home, why not try asking your children and family some of these questions! Remember to be curious and caring about everyone’s views and to share what you think too. At p4c@lansburylawrence.org, you can also get in touch to share your philosophical thoughts with us.