As St James Schools celebrate World Philosophy Day, we are proud to share our unique approach to teaching Philosophy.

We offer Philosophy in its original sense, as the love of wisdom, that is discovering our true worth, enabling us to act wisely.

At St James, we develop awareness of our true self through moments of quiet at the beginning and end of each lesson, and throughout the school day.

The development of self-awareness leads to inner confidence, and at the same time enhances our well-being, both in body and mind.

Philosophy, seen in this way, fosters not only intellectual growth but also the development of emotional and social intelligence.

Here at St James, we find that this regular recourse to quietness of mind sharpens our pupils’ ability to focus, and therefore their ability to question, reason, and reflect – skills that are imperative in an ever-changing world.

Our pupils, from Reception to Sixth Form, are encouraged to ask the ‘big questions’ of life and to debate and challenge ideas in a respectful and inclusive way. To do this, Philosophy lessons are conducted in an atmosphere of trust, in which pupils feel confident to express themselves freely.

These philosophical discussions around topics such as morality and justice help our pupils appreciate different viewpoints and navigate the complexities of human interactions. They learn how to be kind and to become thoughtful members of the school and society.

Through philosophy, our pupils also learn to develop and analyse arguments, which is essential in both their academic and personal lives. Philosophy encourages our pupils to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely, fostering strong communication skills and most importantly, the ability to listen.

By integrating philosophy into our curriculum, St James Schools nurture human beings who will lead with wisdom, and live with compassion.

This World Philosophy Day, let’s celebrate the power of philosophy in education.