Philosophy for Children (P4C) is an educational approach that encourages pupils to think critically, reason effectively, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. By fostering philosophical enquiry, P4C enables children to think both independently and collaboratively, enhancing their understanding and engagement with learning.

At Les Landes, P4C is integrated into the curriculum to promote deep thinking and articulate communication among pupils. The school has developed a curriculum underpinned by pupils thinking philosophically, encouraging them to ask questions, justify opinions, and engage in meaningful discussions.

In recognition of its commitment to P4C, our school has been awarded the SAPERE P4C Silver Award. This accreditation reflects the school's dedication to embedding philosophical enquiry in the classroom and its success in fostering a culture of thoughtful dialogue and critical thinking among students.

By embracing P4C, we not only enhance academic learning but also equip pupils with essential life skills, preparing them to navigate complex ideas and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

What Happens in a Typical P4C Lesson?

A P4C lesson typically includes the following steps:

1. Stimulus Presentation: The lesson begins with a thought-provoking stimulus such as a story, picture, video, or poem. This is chosen to spark curiosity and encourage open-ended questioning.
2. Question Generation: Pupils reflect on the stimulus and collaboratively generate philosophical questions. For example, after a story, they might ask, “Is it always wrong to lie?” or “What makes someone truly happy?”
3. Question Selection: The class votes on one question to explore further, ensuring that the discussion reflects their shared curiosity and interests.
4. Enquiry and Discussion: Guided by the teacher (acting as a facilitator), pupils engage in structured dialogue. They share ideas, challenge assumptions, and build on each other's contributions while developing reasoning and active listening skills.
5. Reflection: The session concludes with a reflection on the discussion process. Students evaluate their contributions, how their thinking evolved, and what they learned from others.

The Impact of P4C

Through regular P4C sessions, our children develop confidence in expressing their ideas, empathy in understanding others' perspectives, and critical thinking skills. These lessons prepare them not only for academic success but also for thoughtful engagement with the world around them, providing them with a foundation for lifelong learning.

Click on our P4C Gallery to see more images from our philosophical enquiries.