We introduced the Philosophy for Children (P4C) approach to our teaching and learning in 2019. Over the years here at Gladstone Primary, the children and staff have worked hard to develop Oracy through Philosophy for Children. We have been able to achieve the next stage in our P4C award moving from Bronze to Silver. We have had great feedback and achieving the Gold award will definitely be in our future. 

Here is what the assessor had to say about Gladstone Primary:

“Gladstone has strong evidence of a well-established P4C culture across the school. There was clear consistency in the use of the 4Cs, structured enquiry approaches and well-developed systems that support pupil questioning and reflection. Pupils are clearly engaging confidently in philosophical enquiry. It was also very positive to see children actively engaged in thinking activities and enquiries. Gladstone has a strong leadership of P4C, effective staff training and clear systems for monitoring and development."

P4C helps children to become more creative thinkers and we do this by providing practical ways of developing good language skills, the ability to ask questions and think about topics. During weekly P4C sessions, children and their teacher share a focus, for example; a story, film clip and picture. They then take thinking time to think of their own questions and together the class chooses one question to discuss further. With experience, children’s questioning becomes more thoughtful. The approach not only helps to develop creative skills but also encourages children to care more about what others say. Often, P4C is linked to a particular topic area or curriculum subject, particularly in English, PSHE or RE. There is the opportunity to make links between friendship, disputes and fairness. If you are interested in finding out more about P4C, please go to: http://www.sapere.org.uk

Philosophy for Children (P4C)

To develop children's thinking and broaden their oracy skills, we link our P4C stem sentences across the other subjects in the curriculum.