Philosophy
Like the thread that holds a pearl necklace together so Philosophy sustains thinking in all aspects of our lives.
“I like philosophy very much as I was able to share my ideas and I had to think very hard.”
Year 7 pupil, The Laurels
Philosophy at The Laurels is based on the specific structure of Philosophy for Children where the teacher is a facilitator of philosophical enquiry. The facilitator engages the pupils not in discussion but in philosophical enquiry which means supporting them in their thinking, reasoning and questioning as a group. Pupils use the Socratic Method to learn the philosophical moves of posing philosophical questions, seeking justification, recognising assumptions and listening to their peers.
My Learning at The Laurels
From Year 7 you will be able to take part in philosophical enquiries – learn like you have never learned before. You will be taken on a journey that not only helps you to think well, but to think about your own thinking. You will become part of an exciting endeavour that started centuries ago and is happening now and discover ways of understanding yourself and the world around you and contribute to the philosophical conversation. You will soon be hooked on philosophy and experience a certain euphoria when the philosophical penny drops!
Course Content
Year 7 to 9
Philosophical enquiries are based on a stimulus which could be a picture, a story, a piece of music or an object. Based on the stimulus, the group poses their own philosophical question. Some of the questions raised in philosophy are:
- What is philosophy?
- Is it ever right to judge someone?
- If all the clocks stopped would we still have time?
- Is it ever right to lie?
- What makes a good friend?
- Why do we sometimes want revenge?
- What is inner beauty?
- If you judge are you giving an opinion or making an assumption?
Year 10 to 11
Philosophical and Ethical topics are part of the curriculum content for the Religious Studies GCSE. More information can be found on the Academic page for Religious Education.
VI form
Please see the
VI Form information pages.
Related Activities
For those pupils who would like to extend and deepen their philosophy skills we offer the National College of the Humanities School Certificate in Philosophy Short Course as part of the extra-curricula programme.
For other activities please see the
Religious Education page.
