Welcome to VAPS!

<span style=”font-family:georgia;color:#990000;”>Welcome to VAPS!</span>

  • SUPPORTING PHILOSOPHICAL THINKING IN VICTORIAN SCHOOLS

    Inspired by the Philosophy for Children movement, VAPS promotes critical and creative thinking among young people.

    We believe that learning Philosophy opens students' minds to big ideas.

    We support teachers in fostering the intellectual and social skills that enable students to think philosophically.

    Students benefit by learning to reflect deeply, analyse arguments rigorously, and articulate their views with clarity, subtlety and respect.

    By supporting teachers through training, networking and curriculum development, VAPS encourages communities of enquiry to thrive in primary and secondary school classrooms across the state.

Updates

Welcome to VAPS!

VAPS is a not-for-profit incorporated body with a membership drawn from school teachers, academic philosophers, teacher educators and interested members of the general public. Become a member to enjoy a range of benefits including teacher support and professional development, network meetings, e-Newsletters, information sessions and other resources.  Read More

Philosophy in the National Curriculum

There are strong arguments for including Philosophy in the Australian National Curriculum. Philosophy will make a pre-eminent contribution to students’ general capabilities. Philosophy education promotes critical thinking, insightful questioning, reasoned argument, metacognitive reflection and problem-solving skills, as well as improving students’ social competence and self-management. Learn more about the arguments in favour of philosophy education by reading The Case for... 

A Student’s Perspective – by Lachlan MacFarlane

We are blessed that in today’s world of education, almost everyone has a reasonable opportunity, if they have enough motivation and determination, to excel in whatever academic field they choose. However, a consequence of the ever quickening race for higher marks, faster times, and the rote learning of huge amounts of information, is that another goal of education is often overlooked – the development of a reflective, contemplative and logically inclined mind. Mostly,...