Philosophy zone inspires pupils

By Katherine Sellgren
BBC News education reporter

Head teacher Patrick Derham says it is important to develop critical thinking

"What came before the Big Bang?" "What's so special about human beings?" "Is our universe the handiwork of an intelligent designer?"

These are just some of the questions being debated by sixth formers in Warwickshire, with the help of an online forum set up and maintained by the independent Rugby School.

The Philosophy Zone offers 50 Rugby School pupils and 70 pupils from three local state sixth forms the chance to network online over philosophical issues.

The website includes weekly podcasts from teachers on a range of issues such as a designer universe and the limits of science, as well as topic discussions where pupils can add their thoughts to online debates.

The site also has a resources section and a philosophical quote of the week.

Pupils' enthusiasm

The website was set up to complement a weekly programme of philosophical discussions held at Rugby School, with pupils from the three partner schools coming in to join the debate.

The Philosophy Zone website was the idea of director of critical skills at Rugby School, Dr John Taylor, who wanted to build on pupils' enthusiasm for the subject.

Once you start networking online, you can liaise with schools anywhere - even overseas Dr John Taylor

"The idea for an online forum was sparked when I was approached by a group of students so engaged in philosophical debate that they wanted to continue their conversations after classes had finished," says Dr Taylor.

"I helped them set up an e-mail discussion group and, within an evening, they had exchanged more than 100 e-mails.

"I began to realise that two things could come together - the teenage culture of sharing ideas on networking websites and the discussion of ideas, philosophy."

The website has been welcomed by sixth formers keen to develop their critical thinking skills.

Pupil Lauren says: "It's a good way of extending the discussions after the 45 minute debates and could enable people who are shy and very quiet around groups of people to add their opinion."

Daisy adds: "I think it's a useful tool to explore philosophical and scientific ideas - you can compose your thoughts into a more reasoned argument this way."

The Philosophy Zone was set up by Rugby School's Dr John Taylor

Mary Watts, head of sixth form at one of the participating local schools, Rugby High School for Girls, says the Philosophy Zone gives pupils the tools for independent thought and study.

"They debate, think about ideas and are challenged in their thinking, which is what education should be all about."

Sixth former Claudia says working with Rugby School has developed her interest in philosophy as an academic subject.

"It's a great opportunity to see what other people think and have heated debates," she says.

"I've gained a lot of insight into how other people's minds work," adds Chrissie, 17.

Extended project

The website also has a section where pupils can discuss ideas for their extended project - an in-depth essay on a topic of their choice - which pupils can prepare as part of their A-level study.

"The site is very effective and enables you to collect suggestions for your ideas and a peer-to-peer help system - most definitely makes it easier to work on your project," says sixth formerTom.

Head teacher at Rugby School Patrick Derham said: "The launch of the Philosophy Zone reflects Rugby's commitment to liberate learning from a curriculum that is fixated on exams and teaching to the test.

"By encouraging independent, critical thought and the exchange of ideas between students and schools, we hope not only to better equip participants with the skills they need for university, but to inspire those pupils who might not otherwise have considered higher education."

Rugby School hopes to extend the Philosophy Zone to other schools in the UK and further afield.

"Once you start networking online, you can liaise with schools anywhere - even overseas, which would be very exciting," says Dr Taylor.

The school also plans to evaluate the project to see how this type of online learning could be replicated in other areas of the curriculum.