Impact
We take great pride in what we do and the impact it has on teaching and learning. Here's just a few selected comments from schools who have recently booked us in when we’ve been either wearing our Hidden Leaders or Philosophy Man hat.
For more testimonials for us working as The Philosophy Man, please click here.
Feedback for Hidden Leaders
“I couldn’t have asked for anymore!”
Melinda Pokorny, Head of Middle School, Eltham College
The difficulty was getting the message across to my colleagues. I hosted a short staff meeting on P4C, but unfortunately most seemed to have been quickly forgotten.
Having Tom to host the sessions in class absolutely solved this problem.
The INSET for all staff was a fantastic way of showing the power and importance of P4C in the class room and with all age groups.
Everyone in the school thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and the INSET. All the staff came away with a huge array of practical and fun ways to enhance teaching and learning. They were all very enthusiastic and excited about putting some of the ideas into practice. The girls will definitely enjoy more practical lessons incorporating aspects of P4C and my PRS lessons will also be enhanced as a result of the new skills I learned.
The two days were amazing. The visit far exceeded my expectations. Tom was amazing. He kept the girls and staff thoroughly engaged throughout the whole time he was with us. We all learnt a great deal from his time with us. He matched the skills and ability of all the classes he worked with, from Reception to Year 6.
Angela George, Surbiton High Prep School
“The quieter children in the class found their voice today.”
James Wilkie, Year 6 Teacher, Goffs Oak Primary School
"Staff not only enjoyed the day immensely but feel equipped to stretch and challenge the minds of our children and encourage them to think for themselves and speak out."
I wanted to thank you for your excellent training session yesterday. I have had very positive feedback from the staff; they not only enjoyed the day immensely but feel equipped to stretch and challenge the minds of our children and encourage them to think for themselves and speak out. I loved the emphasis on the children being in control of the situation with us as facilitators. I am taking my first two sessions today to here goes! I will undoubtedly be in touch over time and suggest that a recap at some stage in the next year. I really appreciated your input and for being so easy to have in school.
Marianne Austin, Headmistress, Kew College School
“When you’re trying to organise something, it’s incredibly important to have a company you can rely on.”
Alex Curtis, Head of Extra-Curricular, The Cottesloe School
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for your sessions with our Year 12s earlier this week. It was exactly what we were looking for…
…in terms of building critical thinking and debating skills, and getting them to think on the spot. It was fascinating to see who rose to the challenge and equally who found it quite difficult.
In particular, those of our students who will face interviews for competitive Uni courses / degree apprenticeships will have found it beneficial in terms of having to justify their reasoning and respond to counter-arguments.
They definitely gained a lot from having to participate in activities where they had to think their feet, where they didn't know in advance what they would be discussing and had to process information quickly. The activities also forced them to interact with others in the year group they don't usually work with, so it was good for fostering new relations. It was interesting to observe some of our quieter students rise to the challenge, too.
As far as I know, we are looking to re-book next year!
Katy Powis-Holt, Head of Year 12, Eltham College
“One of the most morally valuable things I’ve seen in a classroom…”
George Pendeer, Physics and Maths Teacher, Eltham College
“Our event was very well-paced, building in opportunities for reflection and consolidation that were really authentic and meaningful.”
“The team-building activities were fantastic ice-breakers, helping everyone work together in a fun and active way. A real, and perhaps unexpected, triumph of the day was how successful the debating and ethics activities were; it was really rewarding to see how many pupils genuinely enjoyed and actively engaged in activities that were completely new to them. As a result, we saw a significant leap in developing higher-level thinking skills, confidence and collaborative working.
All of the Hidden Leaders’ facilitators were both professional and respectful at all times — they are experts in their field, which makes a tremendous difference to the quality of the provision on offer. I can’t recommend Hidden Leaders enough!”
Mercedes Davis, Head of Sixth Form, Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School
“Our staff have asked to make this an annual INSET Day!”
“Before the day… some staff were had trepidation about working with colleagues outside of their usual class groups, and from a senior leadership point, worries were; would staff engage with the day positively, would the day have the intended outcome for strengthened relationships.
After the day… staff were exceptionally positive about the whole day - there was energy uplift, appreciation for skills and strengths not normally seen and team cohesiveness. It had the desired outcome of bringing the staff team together for the last long half term of the year, many staff commented on how the INSET had given them a new energy for the last part of the academic year.
Hidden Leaders were all very professional, friendly and knowledgeable, this greatly helped to relieve any anxieties and put people at ease to then fully enjoy the day.
We have already raved about the Hidden Leaders Team Building Day to our network of partner schools. Our staff have asked to make this an annual INSET Day!”
Natalie Stevens, Head of School, Mountfield Heath School
“When we booked the Hidden Leaders day, we knew our children would engage with the activities on offer, but what we had not considered was the range of other skills they would develop and enhance.”
Watching the children “grow” throughout the day was incredible. The range of activities ensured that all our children were engaged, regardless of physical or mental ability. Stepping out of comfort zones was huge for some of our class but the way the activities were arranged and delivered ensured success for all. Our loudest, more confident listened, whilst our less confident and more reserved spoke. It was marvellous to see this beyond the classroom setting and with limited adult input. The task ensured that there were opportunities for all to shine.
One of our quieter children, who does not like to speak out in the classroom, was able to display his independent skills and work as part of a team. He had the opportunity to shine in a way that he was comfortable with and this was a huge boost to his self-confidence.
Alex, Tom and their team were absolutely brilliant with our children. Their enthusiasm, encouragement and supportive manner ensured a marvellous opportunity for us all.
Thank you so much!”
Bridget Kaal, Year 6 Teacher, Goffs Oak Primary School
“I felt very confident with your team from the moment they came through the door.
Thanks for a successful two days this week. Students have said how much fun it was (we collated their feedback and average rating of 4.43 out of 5!) and how they really enjoyed the day.”
Head of Sixth Form, Rainham Mark Grammar School
“It was a really fun experience and I would definitely want to do it again.” Maisy
“Really enjoyed the day, only problem was it didn't last longer!” Jonathan
“The day went smoothly and was really good for engagement with people that I don’t speak to commonly, allowing for new connections to be made.” Max
“Absolutely loved it! It was such a nice break from regular school however I didn’t feel as though I was doing any less learning! The skills I learnt during this day were more valuable to me than regular school.” Bella
“I had a really enjoyable time, and it allowed me to get closer with people I might not usually work with. It was well organised and had variety. I loved the various problem solving activities the most.” Louis
Sticky Questions
Our year-round, whole school programme. Children take home a juicy philosophical puzzler stuck to their jumper, chat at home and share back at school.
Debate Planet
Sign up for our flagship debating programme that makes debating for everyone - not just an exclusive club for mini-Boris Johnsons.
Teamtalk Challege Days
Book a Team Talk Challenge day to develop students’ communication and critical thinking.