1. The School Certificate in Philosophy
DR JOHN L. TAYLOR CHIEF EXAMINER

2. Course aims
A short introduction to central ideas in philosophy
To explore some debated questions in philosophy
To encourage students to engage in discussion and debate
To provide an opportunity to respond with a personal philosophical project
To provide an opportunity to present work in an appropriate format (a display of their research, a video, a podcast or an oral presentation)

3. Pedagogical Approach
“Students are expected to learn through inquiry, through participation in group discussion, through independent research, as well as through direct instruction, especially when it comes to foundational elements of the subject.”

4. Course Structure
Philosophical foundations: the exploration of the grammar of philosophy.
Philosophical debates: developing students’ dialectical skills,
A personal philosophy project, giving students an opportunity to add their own voice to the philosophical conversation.

5. Course Structure
Philosophical foundations 6 lessons Philosophical debates 6 – 8 lessons A personal philosophy project 20 hours

6. Timetabling and teaching
… Alongside another subject (e.g. RS)
… As a curriculum enrichment
… In a Philosophy Club
… Through private study
Resources enable teaching by non-specialists

7. Resources for teaching

8. Searching for the good life: Socrates
With Socrates, the focus shifts from ‘what is the world made from?’ to ‘how should I live?’ (from metaphysics to ethics, if you want to use technical terms).
Photo by Imleedh Ali on Unsplash

9. https://www. youtube. com/watch

10. True or False? “You cannot live a full human life without considering the questions of philosophy.”
Run as a think / pair / share or small group discussion with feedback.

11. Keynotes
Socrates realized that he was wiser than all others, because he knew how little he knew.

12. Keynotes
Socrates enraged his fellow Athenians by critically questioning their ideas.

13. Keynotes
Socrates was convicted of denying the gods of the state and corrupting the youth, and executed in 399 BCE.

14. Right or Wrong? “Don’t criticize my beliefs”
Socrates was famous for introducing the method of Socratic questioning – rigorously challenging people to explain their ideas of courage, justice, knowledge or goodness.
Should we criticize the beliefs of others?
On the one hand, critical questioning is at the heart of the search for the truth (we use it in science, in the courts of law, in education, in government…)
On the other hand, it could be argued that Socrates death shows what happens if we persistently criticize others…
Run this as a group discussion with feedback.
Photo by Lewis Roberts on Unsplash

15. Philosophical Debates
• Is beauty in the eye of the beholder? • What is truth? • Is there a God? • Is there life after death? • Is the mind the same as the brain? • Do animals think? • Is the world made by language? • Is it ever OK to cheat? • Is it ever OK to lie? • Should we experiment on animals? • Is it more important to be good than to be happy? • Do we have free will? • Do we need governments? • What is the point of school?

16. For Discussion
Review the course outline. Discuss how best to approach the teaching of philosophical foundations and philosophical debates.

17. The Personal Philosophy Project
An introduction in which the question is explained, key terms are defined and the reasons for choosing the project are outlined. (200 words)
Research (ideally 8 – 12 sources), with a bibliography and in-text citations (600 words)
Discussion of arguments for and against (800 words)
A conclusion in which the students’ own point of view is summarized. (100 words)

18. Supporting the Project Process
Project Planning
Project Proforma
Google Classroom
Guidance videos
Google Docs
Referencing tools (Google Explore; EasyBib)

19. Tips for supervisors
Allow students to learn independently
Encourage them to follow their interests
Encourage a variety of types of outcome
Provide scaffolding through the proforma
Allow time at the end for presentations

20. Assessment
Holistic criteria (see course outline)
Provide brief indications of banding
Grades align with GCSE trajectory grades
Marks, comments and signatures on project topsheet
Marks will be externally moderated by an NCH assessor

21. Timeline
Sept 2019 First teaching of SCIP nationally November 2019 Online training session for teachers March 2020 Deadline for entries for SCIP (March 21st). May 2020 Deadline for online submission of projects. June 2020 Moderation of projects. July 2020 Awarding of grades August 2020 Publication of results & examiner’s report

22. The School Certificate in Philosophy
DR JOHN L. TAYLOR CHIEF EXAMINER