The kids are alright

PA 170/11 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.