Philosophy &
Enrichment
Philosophy & Enrichment
Brigidine College & St Pius X College Progressive Action Enrichment Day
On Wednesday 16 October a group of St Pius X College students met with a group of Brigidine College students, to participate in a Progressive Action Day. The desired outcome was to provide an opportunity for critical and creative thinkers to become…
“…curators of life changing ideas;
Lovers of unconventional action,
Seekers of change and rebellion.
Speakers and Doers uniting to bring hope”.
Antidote 1.9.19 Sydney Opera House:
The topic was, “You don’t have a right to believe whatever you want to” by Daniel DeNicola. Professor and Chair of Philosophy at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania and the author of Understanding Ignorance: The Surprising Impact of What We Don’t Know (2017), which received the 2018 PROSE Award in Philosophy from the Association of American Publishers.
Students representing Year 9, 10 and 11 presented speeches reflecting their understanding of the issues in the stimulus. These speeches were the source of questioning and discussion that fed the next session; three Community of Inquiry reflections. In turn, the exploration of issues in the Community of Inquiry sessions sourced the debate topics for Year 9, 10 and 11.
“The 2019 Enrichment Day between St Pius and Brigidine College St Ives provided us with the opportunity to have our opinions challenged and engage in exploring differing perspectives. The greatest message from the speeches, discussion and debates were that no matter what opinion you possess, you have an underlying responsibility to ensure that this opinion does not inflict harm and suffering on other individuals. We have the right to believe, but not everything we believe Is right.”
The speech presented by James Baldock:
This was an exceptional day and we thank Ms Vicky Boyd at Brigidine College for hosting the event, as well as all of the Brigidine staff who supported us throughout the day by facilitating Community of Inquiries, supervising lunch and morning tea and adjudicating debates. This Enrichment Day enabled all students to enjoy a safe and supportive context within which to voice ideas and issues that challenged assumptions and beliefs about life and our place in society.
Ms Michele Waterson
***Brigidine College and St Pius X College are planning to merge our Philosophy classes at the end of Term 4, 2019 for our own ‘Philosothon’ style event. All past, present and future St Pius X Philosophy students will be invited to attend.
The format for a Philosothon at St Pius X College:
Session 1: 9.30-10.45
Three students from each school present a speech that gives voice to ideas and issues that arise from the stimulus. (Stimulus provided before school holidays). Our aim is to challenge our current assumptions on life and society.
Session 2: 11 – 12.00
Students participate in a Community of Inquiry (COI) that explores the ideas presented in the speeches and in the stimulus. From the COI, students formulate topics for: Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 debates.
Session 3: 12.30 – 1.30
One hour preparation for each debate.
Students not debating develop a Community of Inquiry based on the debate topics presented earlier.
Session 4: 1.30-2.30
Debates for Year 9, Year 10, Year 11.
2.45 Students return to St Pius X College (public transport bus and train).