Keynote Speaker

Kevin McArevey, Holy Cross Boys PS

Philosophy’s place at the heart of Holy Cross Boys is the subject of Young Plato, an award-winning documentary film.

Featuring 'The Philosophy Man' P4C trainer, Jason Buckley

To Register: email suzanne.whitten@qub.ac.uk  Numbers are limited

10-10.15: Coffee and welcome

10.15-10.40: Speed philosophy

Quick activities using philosophical questions that are accessible but hard to decide, ensuring there’s lots to argue about. Introduces the three principles we’ll be returning to after the keynote:

Get Moving - thinking games and activities that compel ENGAGEMENT
Y-Questions - questions that sustain cognitive conflict to provide CHALLENGE.
Take a Back Seat - facilitation techniques that develop children's INDEPENDENCE

10.40-11.30: Keynote speech (plus 20 min Q+A) from Kevin McArevey, Holy Cross Boys PS

Philosophy’s place at the heart of Holy Cross Boys is the subject of Young Plato, an award-winning documentary film.

11.30-12.30: Starting points for philosophy

The chance to think philosophically in response to different sorts of provocative starting points, including structures you can adapt for many different themes.

12.30-13.30: Lunch

13.30-14.30: Philosophical teaching and learning

Philosophy is a special form of thinking while “showing your working”. We’ll use questioning techniques drawn from philosophy to facilitate deeper and more independent thinking.

14.30-14.50: Coffee break

14.50-15.50: Finding the philosophy in what you’re already doing

There are philosophical puzzles within every area of study, and in most books worth reading. We’ll explore how to find the philosophy within existing curricula.

15.50-16.00: Wrap-up and goodbyes