P4C Certification
Philosophy has a low floor, but a high ceiling.
Professor Stephen Mumford
The P4C course is designed as an introduction to Community of Inquiry practice in the classroom and requires no formal training in philosophy or experience in teaching philosophy in schools.
This course aims to build teachers’ knowledge and confidence in using this pedagogy for maximum impact with students.
- 3 full scholarships are available upon application for pre-service teachers.
- Included in the full registration cost for teachers and students is membership to the SA Philosophy in Education Association for 2020.
- Training is accredited by the Federation of Asia-Pacific Philosophy in Schools Associations (FAPSA).
For further information about P4C (Philosophy For Children) Introductory Certificate please contact us.
Community of Inquiry (CoI) Days & Excursions
CoI days are group excursions conducted in partnership with the Art Gallery of South Australia and the Centre of Democracy in Adelaide and cost just $10 per student.
These are ideal for your HASS, English, SACE Philosophy, Politics, and Visual Art classes. We tailor the experience for different year-level groups and topics.
Students develop Community of Inquiry skills and participate in Socratic Circles, whilst exploring big ideas in a stimulating learning space. An immersive day where students can test their ideas with others from around the state in an engaging and collaborative format. Here are examples of CoI days we have held in the past:
Past Middle (years 7, 8, & 9) and Senior School (years 10, 11, & 12) Community of Inquiry Days hosted at the Art Gallery of South Australia involved student groups from across the state. Students conducted a guided exploration (‘inquiry trail’) of the AGSA collection, learnt the foundations of philosophical thinking and dialogue, and participated in creative and thoughtful Socratic Circles, exploring the tensions and connections among concepts inspired by the artworks and theme.
Past themes at AGSA included: Freedom vs Security (2025), Love & War (2023), Community (2022), The Freedom to Pursue your Culture (2019)
Past Community of Inquiry Days hosted at the Centre of Democracy involved school students from across the state in an exploration of the theme Power and Democracy. Students conducted a guided tour around the North Terrace precinct (‘democracy trail’) and were introduced to the community of inquiry method of philosophical dialogue. They posed their own philosophical questions and took part in community of inquiry circles.
We advertise CoI dates each year, but if you would like to arrange a CoI day for your school group any time of the year, please get in touch!
In-School Student Workshops – SAPEA comes to you!
An accredited trainer visits your school and spends a double lesson training your class in the Community of Inquiry (CoI). This is a great way to prepare for a Community of Inquiry event and bring some exciting new practices to your teaching. It is well suited for regional schools, in 2021 one of our facilitators visited Mt Gambier.
During a double lesson students will engage in three activities designed to introduce CoI skills and inspire confidence in students to think critically and creatively in a collaborative environment. We can pair this event with a professional development for you and your colleagues.
All facilitators are registered teachers in South Australia and have achieved Advanced Philosophy in Education Certification with our peak body, the Federation of Asia-Pacific Philosophy in Schools Associations (FAPSA).
Cost: A double lesson (up to 2hrs) costs $120 for a single trainer.
Contact us for more information or to arrange a session.
SACE Philosophy
SAPEA provides curricular and pedagogical support for SACE Philosophy. Get in touch today so we can figure out together how to best support you.
Facilitator Training
Held by negotiation, these 3 hour workshops give teachers an introduction to how to manage a Community of Inquiry (CoI) activity. The Community of Inquiry is an empowering practice for teachers and students that nurtures critical thinking, understanding of argument structure, collaborative learning, caring behaviour and creativity.
The workshop introduces how a CoI works and role of the teacher is in facilitating that activity. Our workshops build confidence and skills in the Community of Inquiry. These workshops are a great introduction to this powerful and transformative teaching practice.
- Teachers receive a certificate of attendance.
- $150 for full time teachers, $50 Concession
- Grants for half-day TRT coverage are available for teachers attending our workshops.
- Members receive 10% discount
Contact Us to express your interest.