Oracy Days (with optional INSET)

We're invited by schools week-in, week-out to work with their students, and often to run staff INSET after school too. Of everything we do, these days have the biggest legay on teaching and learning.

There's no typical booking. You might be…

  • A member of SLT looking for something to develop oracy across your curriculum…

  • A More Able Co-ordinator looking for something special to stretch your students?

  • A Head of Year / Phase, keen to add something different to your extra-curricular calendar?

  • Someone who recognises that challenge isn't just about academic grades, but about taking risks, thinking on your feet and being resilient in the face of difficulty?

  • Someone with budget for visiting speakers, but want to make sure it has a real impact?

  • Someone else!

The day before the demonstration workshop I attended a IAPS course on oracy, so felt I had a very good understanding of the theory behind unlocking children's voices. Watching Tom's workshop the next day I was amazed at how it hit EVERY box that I'd just learnt about. It was brilliant to see practical strategies to help every child find their voice. 

Abby Brooks, Kimbolton Prep School

Why us?

Our energetic, interactive and challenging days are highly sought after for a number of situations, from activity weeks, to academic challenges to inter-school competitions, to themed days that tie in with school values like EDI.

We've run special days for hundreds of schools since 2008.

We work with you - and design a day that exceeds your aims and expectations.

We're leading experts in stretching the more able (Jason is Director of GIFT and Tom used to be a More Able Co-Ordinator at a top London school).

Off-site challenge days are a hoot for the students, but can lack a legacy on teaching and learning. We run everything in-school, so teachers can watch and take ideas.

What are my options?

Argumentag Wrestling is is a fast paced debating game in which students have to think on their feet to defend their position in a range of arguments against an opposing team. They have to support one another, being both willing to take their turn in “the ring” and willing to see their place amongst their teammates. This activity develops boldness, spontaneity and confidence, as well as the willingness to enjoy taking an intellectual risk by exposing your thinking to the challenge of others.

Design an Evilometer: Is it better for a young man in a lifeboat to give up his seat, or to throw an old man overboard to make room for a mother and her children? Is letting someone fall down an open lift shaft any different to giving him a gentle shove? Grapple with ethical dilemmas such as these before creating your own juicy questions and vote for one to tackle as the ultimate challenge to your combined philosophical powers. Philosophy. Not for the squeamish.

…plus many more options. Just get in touch and we can learn more about what would suit your students best.

I loved learning about all the different myths and stories. One of the best parts was when we debated and gave our opinion on each side of the story and who we supported. I also enjoyed it when we split into groups and created a song/dance. I loved how everyone got involved and nobody felt left out. The activities were involving, and the philosophy day allowed us to express what we knew on Greek Mythology so far. It was a great day!

Student, Walthamstow School for Girls

What should I do now?

Many schools choose to run an event for the whole-school, or a particular group of pupils. Our energetic, interactive and challenging days are highly sought after for a number of situations, from activity weeks, to academic challenges to inter-school competitions, to themed days, such as National Interfaith Day.

We have a range of tried-and-tested events but tailor each one for your requirements. Get in touch and we’d love to talk to you about what you’d like from the day.

I inherited my role as P4C coordinator from my colleague who tasked me with planning a Philosophy Day. I had looked at several workshops and was pleased to stumble across The Philosophy Man website. All the positive testimonials provided by other schools was certainly a winning factor for us. The training and workshops were simply outstanding. 

All the staff had basic P4C training but did not know how to use it within their classrooms. This then acted as a CPD opportunity for all staff and this was furthered in the staff meeting. There was a buzz during the staff meeting, which for any member of staff attending a staff meeting at the end of a half term, knows this is a rare thing! All the staff said how enthused and excited they felt to get back into their classrooms and try out the methods they had been shown.

After the workshops, I interviewed some children about their experience. I deliberately picked children who really struggle with the academic side of school life. One child, who had a workshop on bargaining for his life against a Mayan tribe, said “I loved the P4C workshop. It was so much fun to think of reasons why my life was valuable and the best part was, we didn't have to do any work!”. The children saw the workshops as a chance to express themselves.

Thank you so much for inspiring us to continue with the exemplary training you provided and we look forward to working with you in the future!

Sarah Brown, Dulverton Primary School

Get in touch

Think your pupils might benefit from a day of workshops? Reach out to us and let’s talk about how we might work together.

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.

Interested in this day?

Send us a message and we’ll get back to you within a day.

You can email tom@thephilosophyman.com

Alternatively, call us:
01245 830123

Or just drop us a message on the right!