P4C

Pupil participation and the development of oracy are integral to Heathfield Academy’s mission, vision and values. Philosophy for Children (P4C) gives children a structured and safe opportunity to develop these skills alongside a range of others.

Our use of P4C with our pupils is designed with the intent to allow all children to express their potential; intellectually, socially, morally, emotionally and culturally.

We live in an ever-changing and often challenging modern world. P4C is a teaching methodology that helps pupils develop their critical thinking, in a caring and collaborative way, enabling them to engage with increasingly complex global issues. This is beneficial to collective mental health and wellbeing, as it provides them with a safe opportunity to explore issues that may be worrying them.

When teaching P4C, we are able to promote a forum for considered open dialogue in which children can ask open questions, refine arguments, explore alternatives and above all, try to understand each other and the world around them.

Through our P4C sessions, we intend children to be challenged to think independently in collaborative, caring classroom communities. This enables children to improve their reasoning ability alongside their communication skills. P4C is also a good way for children to develop their concentration skills and to boost their self-esteem by making positive contributions to discussions in a caring, constructive and supportive environment.