Schools

We provide philosophical workshops and facilitate dialogues in primary and secondary schools. When working with young people, we use a range of creative and innovative pedagogical strategies to create a sense of fun and energy when exploring topics meaningful to young people.

Using art practises such as drawing, movement, music, materiality, and also exploring nature and community, we aim to stimulate philosophical discussion through a range of methods not limited to written and spoken word. 

Our aim is to invite young people to speak, be heard, listen, and have a voice on issues that are deeply important to them, while developing critical thinking, listening, and reasoning skills. 

We also provide teacher training in philosophical dialogue, supporting teachers in developing the ability to integrate philosophy into the classroom. 

These can be combined with author-visits and readings from The Philosophy Resistance Squad.

Schools that have taken part

St. Kevins G.N.S Tallaght, Loreto on the Green, Balbriggan Educate Together, Hansfield Educate Together, Gonzaga, Stratford National School

Our experience at St. Kevin’s

• This group was developed by Rob Grant. It took place on Friday mornings for 3 months in the school with a group of 16 students from 6th class, so aged 11-12.

• This was run using the Philosophy for Children methodology which also focuses on dialogue, giving reasons, listening with an open-mind, but it is more creative with stimuli, using videos, images, and objects to encourage students to think and talk philosophically.

• This group was full of insightful and thoughtful contributions, and also it was commented by the teachers that they were surprised and impressed by how certain children, who are usually shy and quiet, were contributing and taking part, a testament to the open and inclusive atmosphere that is created.