Pupils taught to think about it

Lesson's are designed to promote pupil's critical skills

A scheme to teach philosophy to children in one part of Leicester is being hailed a success.

The lessons, run by the Braunstone Community Association, are designed to develop critical and social skills.

The Braunstone estate is one of the most deprived in the East Midlands and has had poor school results.

But teachers confirmed it was making a real difference to academic results and had resulted in children behaving in a less aggressive and more mature way.

Not Socrates

Philosophy for Children was introduced at the end of last year at a Folville Juniors and is now being taught across the estate after teachers attended introductory sessions.

Barbara Blatherwick, from the Braunstone Community Association, said: "Without exception, the feedback we have had from those training courses is that teachers are just really enthusiastic about it.

"They can't wait to get back and try it out and I don't think we have had any negative feedback."

Ms Baltherwick said the lessons were not about learning the teachings of Socrates and Plato but developing the skills to question the world about them.

One lesson involves pupil's being given a photograph and asked what it means to them and what feelings it inspires.

It is now hoped the subject could be expanded across the city.