The Philosophy Foundation - thinking changes

Peter Worley MA FRSA, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Peter has recently been made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He read philosophy at University College London and Birkbeck College, completing his MA in 2004. He is currently studying for a PhD at King’s College London. He has been working with children in education since 1993 and has been doing philosophy with children since 2002. Peter developed the method of Philosophical Enquiry (PhiE) that is at the heart of The Philosophy Foundation's work. As CEO he represents the charity worldwide, trains specialists and teachers, and heads the Senior Leadership Team.

Peter regularly gives talks and presentations about philosophy in schools and his PhiE method at high level national and international conferences. He has been published in many magazines and philosophical journals and is a regular contributor to Teach Primary Magazine. He is currently an Expert for Innovate My School and a Champion for the Subject Centre for Philosophy and Religious Studies. His book, The If Machine: Philosophical Enquiry in the Classroom has been called 'The best book of its kind currently available.' (Michael Hand) and is a collection of philosophically-inspired stories and thought experiments for children, and teaching thinking strategies for teachers. The book details the Philosophical Enquriy method devised by Peter and the method our specialists use in the classroom. Peter has been interviewed on the BBC World Service, BBC Radio 3's Nightwaves and on BBC Radio 4's Today programme about philosophy in schools. 

Emma Worley BA (Hons) FRSA, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Office

Emma has recently been made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Emma studied Ancient Greek Philosophy at Birkbeck, and has been working with children in various capacities since graduating from Rose Bruford Drama College in 1997. Emma’s role as Chief Operating Officer is the smooth running of all aspects of The Philosophy Foundation. Since founding The Philosophy Foundation she has run every aspect of the charity from finance, marketing, PR, administration, liaison officer between schools and specialists, and has trained most of the specialists with Peter. In the 10 years before setting up The Philosophy Foundation Emma was a successful actor and occasional stand-up. She writes her own material and continues to work in the industry. She has worked as an drama educator for schools and regularly works with children’s charity Scene and Heard as both an actor and dramaturg.

Andrew Day, CPD Director, Senior Specialist & Trainer

Andrew has a background in language teaching and management, where he developed an interest in professional development and training.  He has a degree in Philosophy and Social Anthropology which sparked an interest in the part language plays in the development of thinking.  Having also worked in screenwriting and the theatre, he enjoys the role that stories have in his work for The Philosophy Foundation.  He joined the organisation at the beginning of 2009 and quickly became committed to advancing its aims.

Georgina Donati, Business Development Director, Level 4 Specialist & Teacher Trainer

Georgina first trained with The Philosophy Foundation at the beginning of 2009 after writing her dissertation on the importance of doing philosophy with children.  She worked for a year and a half in primary schools in East London working with all age groups, teachers and on curriculum development. Georgina works with The Philosophy Foundation as part of the Senior Leadership Team, helping with fund-raising, business development and project management, as well as teaching. She is interested in building links with philosophy professionals and organisations in other countries.

Before coming to work with The Philosophy Foundation, Georgina was the director of an NGO working with indigenous people in Ecuador.

Robert Torrington, Training and Assessment Director, Senior Specialist & Trainer

Robert first trained with The Philosophy Foundation in 2007 while reading philosophy at King's College London. Since finishing his BA he has stayed at King's and is currently completing his M. Phil. Studies, focusing primarily on the philosophy of Plato. Robert also has experience with outreach projects for universities and facilitation for secondary schools & Academies.