What is P4C and how is it assessed in the 4+ Assessments?

P4C stands for Philosophy for Children and it is a big part of the 4+ Assessments at all schools.

P4C is enquiry based learning which simply means that children develop the ability to ask deeper questions based on the topic that they are exploring. It allows children the opportunity to explore their ideas and to not just accept an idea as a fact but rather develop the ability to question and offer their own opinions. P4C helps children to see that their ideas are valued and listened to and that what they say truly matters. It also helps them to see that the opinions of others are also valuable and helps them to develop the skills to be able to listen to the opinions of others too.

Through P4C children learn that they are not always right and that it’s ok not to be. It gives them the confidence to question what they are told and learn through having a deeper discussion about life and the world around them.

How will it be assessed in the 4+ Assessments?

It can be assessed in a variety of ways but here’s one to help you to understand better.

A stimulus will be chosen. For example let’s say a picture of a child crying. As a group or 1:1 (depending on the school) your child will be asked to ask a question about the stimulus.

Your child will need to come up with a question. Eg. Why is the child crying? How can someone help the child? I wonder why the child is so upset?

A discussion will then be held as a group or 1:1 to try to answer the question. Your child will give their own point of view but also listen to the points of views of others (if in a group) or the points of views of the assessor (if 1:1)

What is the point of P4C?

It supports students to think before they speak and to give a variety of reasons for what they have to say. It supports children to be respectful of others and their own personal points of views and to not always think that they are right. It also helps children to not be afraid to give their own points of views. It encourages children to generate lots of different ideas and supports children to become better listeners.

How can you support your child to be ready for this in their 4+ Assessments?

It’s really simple.

Pick a stimulus a day and have discussions about it!

Encourage your child to be inquisitive and make up their own questions. Keep a bank of all of the questions that they have come up with and over time you will have a whole page full of all of their questions that they have come up with.

Encourage your child to answer a variety of questions too. If your child is unsure, model to them how you would answer the same question.

We prepare all of our students to be ready for the P4C component of their 4+ Assessments. Need further support? Book your Sample Lesson today!