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Ever wondered what makes a true philosopher? According to Stephen Fry, patron of SAPERE (soon to be rebranded as ‘Thoughtful’), it’s not about having all the answers to life’s toughest questions—it’s about asking the right ones. This powerful insight is at the heart of our Junior School’s Philosophy programme, where pupils are encouraged to challenge, reflect, and, most importantly, question the world around them.
This year marks an exciting shift for SAPERE, the charity that has inspired our philosophical journey. As they embrace their new name, they continue to promote philosophical inquiry as a vital tool for personal growth, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. We were thrilled to integrate this approach into our curriculum; it has helped to foster a deeper understanding of the world and has cultivated essential life skills in our young learners.
In our Philosophy lessons, we’ve been diving into some of the trickiest, most thought-provoking questions. The 4Cs of Philosophical Thinking, a core concept from SAPERE/Thoughtful, stand for Caring, Collaborative, Creative, and Critical thinking. These form the backbone of the P4C (Philosophy for Children) method, empowering pupils to think deeply, express themselves thoughtfully, and engage in meaningful, reflective discussions.
One of the most exciting aspects of our Philosophy curriculum has been each year group’s exploration of ‘big ideas’—concepts that philosophers have wrestled with for centuries. From the moment they begin their journey with us, our pupils are encouraged to explore these abstract ideas in ways that are both meaningful and age-appropriate.
Reception began their philosophical thinking by sharing their ideas about happiness. Year 1 explored the many dimensions of friendship—what makes a good friend and why friends matter. Year 2 grappled with the powerful themes of love, growth, and power, while Year 3 tackled the eternal tension between truth and belief—what do we know and what do we only think we know? Year 4 examined hierarchy in societies, discussing fairness, leadership, and who gets to make the rules, whilst Year 5 explored the tricky terrain of deceit and bravery, challenging each other to think about courage and consequences. Finally, Year 6 centred some of their enquiries around beauty. Their discussions spanned aesthetics, envy, belonging, and the idea that beauty might be more than skin deep.
Before diving into these big topics, each class began by setting their own ground rules for enquiry. These agreements help to foster a safe, respectful, and open-minded environment—where every voice is valued, and curiosity is celebrated. With these foundations in place, pupils felt empowered to express their thoughts, listen to others, and challenge ideas in a spirit of shared discovery.
As we further embed Philosophy into our curriculum, our pupils are also developing their ability to self-reflect. Whether as individuals, in small groups, or as a whole class, pupils regularly assess their progress in the 4Cs of Philosophical Thinking. These skills are central not only to academic success but also to navigating the world with confidence and compassion.