NZ APT

2010 NZAPT Conference

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:20:11 +0000

Conference: 23 & 24 September 2010

This year’s conference will review the progress that philosophy has achieved in NZ secondary schools, examine the Teaching and Learning programmes for philosophy, and further develop a plan for the development of secondary philosophy teaching.

Where: Unlimited, Paenga Tawhiti, Central Christchurch

Cost: $40-$80

The conference will include the NZAPT AGM

>>Click to Download registration form in word format (to save, Right Click-Save As)
>>Click to Download information sheet in PDF format (to save, Right Click-Save As)

For further details contact brent.silby@unlimited.school.nz

Philosophy : Its official !

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:16:04 +0000

Philosophy is now an officially recognized secondary subject in the New Zealand school curriculum. You can view the Philosophy rationale, learning objectives, and key concepts here: http://seniorsecondary.tki.org.nz/Social-sciences/Philosophy. Browse the subject from the menu to the left.

Congratulations to all who have worked on the development of this curriculum guide, including Michael Couch, Libby Giles, Brent Silby, David Legg, Jonathan McKeown-Green, Vanya Kovach, and above all to Richard Tweedie, whose constant passion and perseverance for Philosophy has driven us to where we are today.

Why Philosophy?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:14:25 +0000

A nice article written by student Rose Matafeo (Auckland Girls Grammar) on why we study Philosophy.

Download Article (PDF–to save, Right-Click Save File As)

Brent Silby speaks at 09 Social Sciences Conference

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:06:51 +0000

Brent Silby (Learning Advisor in Philosophy, Unlimited-UPT) was invited to speak at the annual Social Sciences Conference. His talk focused on the current state and future of Philosophy teaching in Secondary Schools. The powerpoint of the talk is included below:

Philosophy in Secondary Schools

Brent Silby Presentation on Philosophy Teaching

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:43:15 +0000

Brent Silby (Unlimited) has been invited to speak about Philosophy Teaching at the 2009 Social Sciences conference, Wednesday September 30th. The presentation will focus on the importance of Philosophy Teaching in secondary schools and will demonstrate the way in which Philosophy can be taught holistically, covering multiple curriculum areas. For more info click: http://www.soccon09.org.nz/

The Teaching and Learning Guidelines take shape

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:33:12 +0000

On 30th and 31st July, Richard Tweedie (Hagley) and Brent Silby (Unlimited) worked in Auckland with David Legg (St Peters) and Libby Giles (Auckland Girls Grammar) on the further development of the Teaching and Learning Guidelines. The two days were organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education, and were facilitated by the wonderfully enthusiastic Nigel Evans. Excellent progress was made, and the final draft will be presented at the NZAPT conference in September.

Auckland Philosophy Day

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:29:28 +0000

The recent Philosophy Day hosted at Auckland Girl’s Grammar was a wonderful success. Check these pics:

Philosophy Teachers Construct Teaching & Learning Guidelines

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:31:04 +0000

Richard Tweedie (Hagley Community College), Michael Couch (University of Canterbury), and Brent Silby (Unlimited) join colleagues David Legg (St Peters College), Libby Giles (Auckland Girls Grammar), and Jonathan Mckeown-Green (University of Auckland) in Wellington City for a two day writing session. During the two days the team will work on the composition of Teaching and Learning Guidelines for Philosophy in Secondary Schools. This is another crucial step in the journey towards getting Philosophy recognized in the New Zealand Curriculum.

The writing group meets in Wellington on 22nd and 23rd June 2009.

Christchurch Philosophy Day

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:39:58 +0000

On June 12th, 58 secondary school students met at the Department of Philosophy, University of Canterbury for a day of student driven Philosophical discussion. The day included a wonderful presentation from year 12 student Josh Grainger (Unlimited-UPT) on Libertarianism, which served as a good discussion starter for the afternoon session.

Students discussed a range of fascinating Philosophical questions in a “free-flowing” forum setting. Some of the questions were: Does the world need God? Do animals have rights? Will computers ever be conscious? Is science the best way to find out about the world?

This day was the start of a new series of “Cafe Philosophy” sessions that will be held in Christchurch at a variety of locations. Visit www.certaindoubt.org for more information on upcoming “Cafe Philosophy” events.

Many thanks to the Department of Philosophy, University of Canterbury for hosting our day.
Brent Silby 2009

Here are some pictures from the day:

Certain Doubt

Sat, 30 May 2009 20:28:55 +0000

www.certaindoubt.org
A website dedicated to opening Philosophy to a wider audience. The site contains a “Cafe Philosophy” section–nice casual philosophy articles; a “Hardcore Philosophy” section–for more specialist papers; and a Video section–all the best philosophy vids on the net. Visitors can comment on papers and videos.
www.certaindoubt.org