Philosophy with Children 2026

One-day CPD course developed for educators, primary and secondary school teachers.

Delivered by Dr Federico Luzzi from the University of Aberdeen's Department of Philosophy, Philosophy with Children will develop participants' skills in facilitating group discussion on philosophical topics (Philosophical Inquiry) as a method for developing pupil skills at the core of the Curriculum for Excellence. These include applying critical thinking in new contexts, thinking creatively to solve problems, understanding different beliefs and learning to participate responsibly in a community of inquiry.

Research indicates that pupils engaged in collaborative group discussion on philosophical questions benefit from:

• Increased self-confidence.
• Better numeracy and literacy skills.
• Greater ability to think creatively and critically about complex matters.
• Greater ability to understand, recognize and respect alternative reasonable viewpoints.
• Improved social behaviour, participation and concentration.

Philosophy for Children is a pedagogy that, when used creatively and in collaboration with children, develops their ability to make connections and think critically, to solve problems and learn in a creative and constructive way, and gives them ownership of their learning. It also allows teachers to see children as real learners and helps them facilitate rather than drive learning.

Jane Craik, Head Teacher, Tullynessle Primary School, Aberdeenshire