The dedication of teachers and support staff never fails to impress me, and I love visiting schools and seeing the amazing work our children do.
Last week I was fortunate enough to visit Randwick Primary School, one of the smaller schools in the district (with about 80 on the roll), to have a look at some of the innovative work they do there.
Philosophy for Children is a technique that they have used in school for several years, but it was the first time I have come across it. It is a way of helping children think critically and creatively about the problems and questions they encounter.
I joined in on the work that they were doing on Henry V, and the ‘once more unto the breach’ speech. The group – all aged between 7 and 9 years old – broke this down into a key problem, namely, which is more important, your land or your life?
They had a great set of ground rules (which I wish we had in Parliament):
1/ Have fun
2/ Listen to others and give them space
3/ Be quiet when others are talking
4/ Share your ideas and take part
5/ Try your best when talking to a partner
6/ Involve everyone
The session I saw was run by a teacher, but that’s not always the case – children lead discussions too. It was also interactive. We stood in different parts of the classroom, depending on what we thought about a particular statement, and then had to explain why we had reached the view we had.
It was an amazing example of people working together, thinking around a problem, testing ideas, challenging and re-assuring. I have rarely seen a group of adults discuss an issue so clearly.
Most people initially felt that ‘life’ took precedent over ‘land’, but as time went on, almost everyone changed their mind, one way or another. But what was obvious was that the children had really engaged with each other, respectfully and meaningfully.
It was a very powerful experience, and I will be writing to the Education Secretary about it in due course. And maybe the Speaker!
