Philosophy Silver Award

We proudly received a Silver Award by SAPERE, for the provision of Philosophy in our school. SAPERE is the national charity for philosophical enquiry, a transformative way of teaching that develops oracy, critical thinking and metacognition. 

This award recognises that we have created a 'community of enquiry' in which children are able to discuss various topics, identify the key themes behind a stimulus and create their own questions for discussion. 

The Silver award builds upon our work to achieve Bronze last year, and puts us on the right track for Gold in the future, while acknowledging the hard work it takes to implement the philosophical practice across the whole school.

The philosophy after school club is flourishing, and all teachers take opportunities to incorporate the subject in different ways across the curriculum, such as including it in their Maths week and through pupil voice.

Mr Needham, philosophy lead and promoter of the scheme, said: “The whole journey the school has undergone has been nothing short of transformative. The children are speaking and listening more to one another and getting the chance to practise vital life skills such as building an argument, defending it, and disagreeing agreeably.” 

Headteacher Rob Farrell said: “Learning philosophy has been transformative for our pupils. It nurtures critical thinking, encourages open-mindedness, and fosters respectful dialogue. Children become more confident in expressing their ideas, questioning assumptions, and understanding diverse perspectives. Our philosophy lessons spark curiosity, enhance problem-solving skills, and cultivate empathy, equipping young minds with the tools to navigate complex situations thoughtfully. The impact is clear: students are not only academically enriched but also more reflective, articulate, and compassionate individuals.”

A pupil said: “I like having discussions – it’s fun! We get to talk about interesting things. Sometimes I feel a bit nervous if I don’t know what to say; but then I find my words deep inside and then they come out! Then I feel happy.”

Thank you to all the staff and the pupils for their incredible hard work in supporting the school on this journey. We are grateful for their dedication, and we look forward to developing this even further!