Bath Schools Philosothon
We were delighted to host the inaugural Bath Schools Philosothon on Tuesday, bringing together 10 schools from across the South West for an evening of discussion about topics such as the nature of personhood, what determines continuity in the universe and the extent to which robots deserve rights. It was wonderful to see our pupils connecting and sharing ideas with others from our wider community, enjoying the experience of some real-life deep conversation!
Aims
This initiative is all about re-connecting our pupils post-pandemic, giving them opportunities to get together to discuss their views and ideas.
The event centred around 4 philosophical discussion topics, and groups used collaborative debating techniques to explore the concepts and develop creative perspectives and stretch their understanding. The competition rewarded pupils for leadership, critical thinking, active listening and creativity.
Background
At Monkton we have been really excited by the Philosothon UK model, and its potential for developing key skills in our pupils, enabling them to disagree constructively, to challenge one another in a respectful and honest way, to develop complex arguments and learn to justify them, and, critically, to listen well to each other.
As a school, we felt that now would be the perfect time to extend this opportunity beyond our school, sending out an open invitation to all local secondary schools in the area to join us for dinner and discussion.
Resources
This partnership relied on staff from all schools supporting the event and organising teams of 10 pupils from years 9-13 to take part. We relied on volunteer judges and pupil hosts from Monkton as well as partner schools.
The event lasted from 5 - 8:30pm and involved a total of 15 staff and 100 pupils. We did not charge any contribution but covered all costs internally.
Impact
100 pupils benefited from an evening of meeting new people, stretching themselves academically and developing their communication skills. For many, it was their first experience of a philosothon event.
Qualitative feedback included comments such as:
"We listened in to a number of groups and heard them reach that moment in philosophy where they realised that there was a truth a stake, but that they just couldn't know it….the limits of human knowledge….and then the moment of decision. Absolutely perfectly pitched."
"Our pupils absolutely loved it and it gave them a real chance to shine. I was incredibly impressed with the calibre of discussion. Our House of Commons could learn a thing or two from them."
Pupil Involvement
9 teams of 10 or 11 pupils from years 9 - 13 were involved from both independent and state schools.
Frequency
This was the first event and we plan for it to become an annual one.
