Middle Years Philosothon

Immigration Museum

In Term 2, VAPS held a Middle Years Philosothon at the Immigration Museum. Nine schools attended the museum and participated in philosophical communities of inquiry within the Mahatma Gandhi exhibit and the Identity exhibit.

The theme for all of the VAPS Middle Years Philosothons this year is 'Rights'. Students ventured into a wide variety of philosophical areas during their dialogues, including what rights people are owed, what rights people can demand, how the issue of rights has changed over time, and external ethical issues that impact our view if people's rights, such as media representations of marginalised groups. 

Thanks you to all the students, teachers, facilitators, and organisers of this wonderful event. 

Facilitators are needed for all philosothons. If you are interested, please fill out this short form.

Student Reflections

What is a Right?

A right is something that gives either a group of people or a person an allowance to do something.

A right is something or someone who has the power to do whatever they are willing to want to do and doesn’t needs to be told to.

 A right is when you are able to do something freely without being told that you are doing something wrong. A right is also when somebody is given an approval of something they are able to do without another person telling you it is something you cannot do.

Why are Rights Important?

Rights are important as without them nobody would be clear as to what they are and aren’t allowed to do.

Rights are important because without rights then everyone would not be even and if you have rights you are able to choose to be capable of doing what you are willing to do.

Rights are important so we are able to know what we are able to do and what we are not able to do. Rights are also important so we have rules to be able to follow and do the right thing so nobody gets injured.

What am I Still Wondering About?

How come the European travellers didn’t respect the true owners of this land aka the Indigenous people, but they just took over without their permission?

I am still wondering about why everyone gets different rights even though we should all be treated equally? I am also wondering about why specific people get to choose rights for other people?

- Year 5 Students from Serpell Primary School.