Students in Year 9 complete a one year philosophy project comprising of fortnightly lessons on philosophy, class debates and an independent written project. 

Along with an insight into some of the most important questions of philosophy and key thinkers of the past, students get the opportunity to develop oracy, critical thinking and debating skills. The independent project serves as both a good opportunity for students to get their teeth into an area of interest and a taste of some of the study skills they will need at GCSE and beyond. 

"What I loved about philosophy was how many people we looked at, from the very beginning of philosophy in 624 BCE with Thales of Miletus, all the way through to 21st century Artificial Intelligence. We spanned vast cultures and views of the world and how it should be governed. Philosophy really opened my eyes to how people have been examining the unexplainable all throughout time, and how some questions span millennia, incapable of being answered truly and deeply.

Our research projects are also incredibly involving and interesting, and opened examinations into perspectives I would never have previously considered, with my question of identity in connection with who we really are. 

In philosophy I developed deep thinking skills, and the ability to see the word through other’s eyes through our complex debates, which transfers over to the wider world, and shows empathy and the ability to connect with fellow human beings both in the workplace and in every day life."

Artemis, Year 10