Philosophy

Philosophy reflects our openness to challenge ideas and helps to instil in our pupils the attributes of listening and respectful debate.

Each form has a weekly philosophy lesson; in Reception and Lower School, focus is on building self-regulation and listening, allowing debate to flourish, akin to the classical Philosophy for Children model. In the Upper School, focus shifts to pure philosophy – for example, Year 5 do modules on logic and Socratic technique, building a framework for the ethical and political debates they will conduct in Year 6.

Philosophy represents much of what we do and stand for as a school; challenging stereotypes and preconceived ideas, building an inclusive community of agile and curious young minds. Each class has its own Philosophy Bear, who goes home with the girls at weekends; a sought-after house guest who arrives with a book full of questions, provoking much lively family debate, and returns to school on Monday with answers to share with the rest of the class.