Richard Tweedie (teacher of Philosophy at Hagley Community College) has been invited to present on the status of Secondary School Philosophy teaching at the UNESCO conference in Manila. During his presentation, Richard will describe the history of Philosophy teaching in New Zealand schools and discuss our current position. He will also provide an overview of our future goals in getting Philosophy as a recognized part of the New Zealand curriculum and the development of Achievement Standard assessments in Philosophy.

Certain Doubt is a site devoted to bringing you the most engaging Philosophy articles and videos available on the Internet. The point of Certain Doubt is to bring Philosophy to a range of audiences, hence the different zones within the site. The “Cafe Philosophy” area contains papers that are creatively written, and readily accessible to people of all backgrounds. These articles are philosophically rich, but do not require a specific background in Philosophy to enjoy. All you need is intelligence and curiosity to enjoy the articles in “Cafe Philosophy”.

The “Hardcore Philosophy” section is specifically for papers that narrow down to specialist areas in Philosophy. Such articles are detailed and contain more complex philosophical terminology, and thus are suited to people with specific background in the subject of the article.

Our “Video” section offers links to the best Philosophy videos on the net. Here you can watch talks, lectures, and other entertaining Philosophical movies.

The content on Certain Doubt is reviewed and moderated to ensure rich and stimulating Philosophical content is available to all who visit. Visit Certain Doubt at www.certaindoubt.org.

12 June 2009
Department of Philosophy, University of Canterbury

Open to all Secondary Students in Christchurch, this day will provide the opportunity for students to explore issues in Philosophy. The day will be primarily discussion based, but will also include keynote presentations from students currently studying Philosophy at Hagley, Unlimited (UPT), and The University of Canterbury.

This day is organized by Christchurch based members of the NZAPT.

For more information, please email brent.silby[at]unlimited.school.nz

Teacher education in facilitating the philosophical community of inquiry is provided by the Philosophy for Children Association of New Zealand. Basic training consists of a two day workshop, which consists of an experiential learning component (being a participant in four communities of inquiry) and several very practical “how to” sessions. Workshops are suitable for both primary and secondary school teachers. Student teachers, philosophers, parents and other interested people are also welcome to attend.

Wellington Area

Basic Training Workshop - March 31^st and April 1^st
Venue: Kenakena School, Paraparaumu

Contact: Janine McDonald
jmcdonald [at] kenakena.school.nz

Christchurch

Basic Training Workshop - May 25^th and 26^th
Refresher 27^th May

Venue: University of Canterbury

Contact: Melanie Johns
melanie.johns [at] canterbury.ac.nz

Auckland

Basic Training Workshop – June 6^th and 7^th
Venue: Balmoral School, Balmoral, Auckland.

Contact: Vanya Kovach
v.kovach [at] auckland.ac.nz

For more information, please visit http://www.p4c.org.nz/calendar.html

Secondary School Philosophy Festival

1 June 2009 (Queen’s Birthday Monday)
Auckland Girls’ Grammar School

This is a one-day opportunity for secondary school students (Years 9 - 13) to experience philosophy. There will be two morning sessions in which all participants will be involved in workshops on logic and reasoning, and applying these to practical issues. In the afternoon, there will be the chance to choose from a range of philosophical topics. Participants will divide into small groups, allowing for more discussion. The day will be organised by staff from the University of Auckland, Philosophy Department and secondary school philosophy teachers in the Auckland area.

Registration is required from all participants as there is a limit of 120 places. The festival will be free (although a gold coin donation would be appreciated!).

More details soon on the topics, timetable and registration information.

An online discussion forum for all members of the Philosophical community has been running since 2007. Students, teachers, and all Philosophical thinkers are welcome to contribute: Philosophy Coffeehouse

If you have an article that you would like to submit, please contact brent<at>def-logic.com or michael.couch<at>canterbury.ac.nz