Children should be seen and not heard... who says? A Philosophy academic at The University of Nottingham is challenging the adage by teaching primary school children to argue properly.

For the past three years Dr Andrew Fisher an academic in the Department of Philosophy  has run Philosophy clubs in primary schools in the Bilborough area of the city, to raise aspirations and self-belief.

The idea is not to have the children coming away reciting Kant, or Plato, says Dr Fisher. Its simply to get them to think for themselves and to be able to express their opinions and feelings.

Some people might think encouraging children to argue is asking for trouble, but its a crucial skill to have.

The clubs were set up through Nottingham City Councils Education Improvement Partnerships (EIP), which ensures children from disadvantaged areas get the very best from their education.

The Philosophy clubs have been great for the children in these schools, says the EIPs Anne Lindley. Andrew has a fantastic way with the children and they enjoy thrashing out ideas in the sessions.

Teaching philosophy to primary school children isnt without the odd humorous outcome. I remember one pupil, says Dr Fisher, who said I can now go to bed later, because I can argue with my mum.

Philosophy frees the children in their relationships and allows them to take risks in their thinking, which is vitally important.

The clubs are also proving that Philosophy is every bit as relevant as other academic subjects and of interest to those who havent been exposed to it before.

If the clubs achieve anything I hope they empower the children to not always just accept what theyre told. Its an important skill to have in life, a skill some adults would do well to work on.

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Provided by Nottingham University