FAPSA Conference

FAPSA Conference: What is the Future of Philosophy in Schools?

The FAPSA Conference was held in Fremantle, WA this year from 9-11th of July.

The first day kicked off with an in-action day at the Hale School with internationally renowned experts in facilitating philosophical communities of inquiry Peter Worley and Louise Gusterson. This included a session with primary students and another one with secondary students. The afternoon at Hale School was spent in professional development and reflection with Peter Worley.

Day two began with a keynote presentation from Sandy Lynch focussing on the future of philosophy in schools and how to move forward. After a full days of sessions, the day was concluded with our second keynote presentation from Peter Worley. His presentation investigated how metacognition could be better incorporated into the philosophical community of inquiry. 

We concluded with the third and final day which opened with public breakfast panel discussing why philosophy in schools is so important. This panel included Laura D'Olimpio, Michael Hand, Sandy Lynch, John Haldane, and David Gribble. Following this session, Michael Hand delivered the final keynote address of the conference. His presentation was on how we might teach moral education through a philosophical community of inquiry. After a final day of sessions, the conference wrapped up with a dinner at a local Fremantle Restaurant. 

Throughout the conference we had fantastic VAPS and Victorian representation with Janette, Hayley, Harry, and Ben from the committee all presenting, as well as other non-VAPS victorians including Karen Bland, Rob Wilson, and Michelle Sowey.