Kirkcaldy West Primary School: philosophy in schools project

LT Scotland's paper on Education for Citizenship stresses the importance of young people's participation in decision making. Schools are encouraged to give all young people authentic experience of decision making processes. It is hoped that through these experiences young people gain a sense of their own right to express themselves, be listened to and influence the course of events. This includes gaining practical experience of allowing their peers similar rights.

The paper recognises that involvement in whole school decision making through Pupil Councils and school consultations are important means of offering these experiences. However the paper also encourages attempts to involve young people in decision making at classroom level, particularly in areas central to processes of learning and teaching. These include methodologies such as group work, investigation and discussion, and approaches to assessment such as self-assessment, profiling and Personal Learning Plans.

However, one of the most radical methodologies for 'democratising the classroom' and empowering young people to explore issues of their own choice lie in the practice of 'philosophical enquiry'. It is part of the philosophy in schools movement embraced by teachers and educationists intent on translating both the methodologies and concerns of philosophy into practices and activities accessible to young people of all ages. This case study looks at one school which has built up an impressive Philosophy in Schools programme involving all pupils and most staff.