Professional Development for Philosophy Teachers
Primary and Secondary
As part of our aim to support philosophy in secondary education, we are keen to provide help and resources to teachers delivering the Higher Philosophy Syllabus.
In 2008 we launched tailor-made philosophy online modules designed to provide CPD for teachers, which could be studied online via distance-learning - these modules have been 'on hiatus' but are now being relaunched again for SEPTEMBER 2012. See button on the left to link to information about these modules.
We are also now responding to requests for help from teachers in the primary sector hoping to introduce philosophical thinking and enquiry into their classrooms as part of the curriculum for excellence. We are currently planning to hold an informal workshop for primary teachers, giving advice on philosophical topics and methodology for the primary classroom.
"Teachers Together"
In 2010, we offered a dedicated Philosophy session as part of the University of St Andrews' Teachers Together conference (a FREE 3-day residential event open to all Scottish schoolteachers). Check back here for further information before June each year.
specific to philosophy higher
In the past, we have also held other events to support those delivering Higher Philosophy, such as:
Philosophy Support Day for Teachers: a one-day event consisting of workshop sessions run by St Andrews philosophers in the areas of philosophy central to the Higher Syllabus: Critical Thinking, Epistemology, Ethics and Metaphysics. These workshops offered teachers the opportunity to build on their existing knowledge in these areas, and gain support and advice for the teaching of philosophy to their pupils. The day was attended by over 30 teachers from schools all over Scotland, who found the sessions to be very helpful, stimulating and inspiring.
- View some of the resources used during the Teachers' Support Day.
Philosophy Masterclass: a masterclass on 'Kantian and Utilitarian Ethics' was held recently (February 2012), with St Andrews philosophers hosting a roundtable discussion and answering questions from teachers about these major normative ethical approaches.
Future Support Days and Masterclasses will be held according to demand. (Please contact Lisa Jones to enquire).
