The Philosophy Foundation - thinking changes

This two-day course is an introduction to Philosophical Enquiry (PhiE) as practised by The Philosophy Foundation, and will give you experience of, and the theory behind, the PhiE method.

The two-day course is fun and practical and it is an opportunity to develop new skills and practices. Many people who have come on the course have used what they have learnt in various situations, including classroom practice, developing adult philosophy groups and job interviews.

Following our Stage 1 course you can use and apply the knowledge and skills you have learnt in a variety of professional and informal situations.  By attending Stage 1 you will also receive:

• a certificate of attendance,
• a copy of our flagship book The If Machine (or alternative),
• and the Stage 1 handbook which fully details our practice and method.

The Stage 1 two day course looks in-depth at the PhiE model of facilitating classroom discussions and enquiry. You will learn questioning and teaching strategies; facilication skills and The Philosophy Foundation methodology; you will experience several enquiries yourself, as well as running one on the second day.

No experience of working in schools is necessary, we welcome philosophy undergraduates as well as those working in schools or community settings.

The course is £318 (10% discount for students) and will give you:

• Ability to run philosophy sessions with Key Stage 2 children (primary age 8-11) and above.
• A model that can be easily transferred to older age groups and adults.
• Teaching strategies for developing autonomous, critical and creative thinking.
• An introduction to a like-minded community where you can share experiences and resources.

Accreditation

Philosophy graduates (minumum joint BA Hons or equivalent) may apply to become an Accredited Philosophy Teacher with The Philosophy Foundation after Stage 1.

There is no further fee for the accreditation process

Becoming an Accredited Philosophy Teacher with The Philosophy Foundation means becoming a member of a group of philosophers who can share ideas, experiences and good practice. We offer regular get-togethers and a range of continued professional development opportunities. You will be supported in your practice in the classroom, and it will mean you will be endorsed to use our name. You will also be advertised on our website and have unrestricted access to the resources on the website. Please note, that although we support and offer work to those who become accredited through us, we cannot guarantee work at this stage.

The application process involves:

• a CRB check, 
• a letter of recommendation,
• proof of your latest, or highest philosophy qualification
• and a phone or face-to-face interview with our Senior Leadership Team. 

Successful applicants will teach 5 assessed lessons of philosophy with one-to-one support from a mentor. After passing this final aspect of the training you will become an Accredited Specialist and be able to move through the levels outlined in our Accreditation Document

If you pass at Level 1 you will be asked to continue your practice in the classroom, and may well receive remuneration for your time. If you pass at Level 2, we will work with you to help find you work in the classroom.

The training to become a specialist philosophy teacher with The Philosophy Foundation involves:

* Attending the Stage 1 course (12 hours)
* Observing at least one of our specialists in school (1 hour)
* Facilitating a minimum of 5 sessions in school (5 hours)
* Self-evaluation of your sessions (written work, 3-4 hours)

We will observe your first and last sessions in our training school (or alternative), and offer feedback and assessment throughout your training. You will be assessed on your final session and be passed as a Level 1 or Level 2 Specialist, or be advised to continue your training with us as a Trainee.