The Queensland Association of Philosophy in Schools (QAPS) is a not-for-profit organisation with the aim of promoting philosophical inquiry in schools. Philosophical inquiry is not academic philosophy but a rich pedagogy for integrating higher-order thinking. It prepares students to be effective thinkers across the whole curriculum and prepares them for active citizenship. QAPS provides professional development and training for schools and teachers, conducted by trainers with certification from the Federation of Australasian Philosophy for Children Associations (FAPSA).
Formed in 1994 to support a handful of teachers, the number of schools involved with philosophy has greatly expanded and continues to do so. The QAPS network is active in South-East Queensland stretching from the Sunshine Coast through the Greater Brisbane Area, to the Redland Shire communities, Logan, Gold Coast and Ipswich regions, and has a Northern Queensland regional network in Townsville.
QAPS is an Associate of the Federation of Australasian Philosophy in Schools Association (FAPSA) and all members will be automatically affiliated. FAPSA has links with international philosophy in schools organisations including the International Council of Philosophical Inquiry with Children (ICPIC), an organisation founded by philosophers and teachers interested in engaging school students in philosophical inquiry.
Philosophy in Schools - A brief introduction
Philosophy in schools is not about teaching school-aged students the views of specific philosophers, nor is it about teaching university-style philosophy in schools. It is about making philosophy accessible to students and teacher alike. For more click here.
The establishment of the Queensland Association for Philosophy in Schools can be traced back to 1989 when Prof. Lyn English attended a philosophy for children workshop in Lorne, Victoria. From only a handful of members in the Greater Brisbane Area when it was founded, QAPS currently has an extensive network of members throughout Queensland. For more click here.
President: Gilbert Burgh
Vice-President: Liz Fynes-Clinton
Secretary: Deb Dickson
Treasurer: David Miller
General Member: Sarah Davey Chesters
General Member: Rosie Scholl
General Member (Sunshine Coast): Ailie-Marie Single
