In-service is an integral part of professional teaching. This is why QAPS provides professional development and training in philosophy education to suit the needs of teachers and schools. In-service is provided throughout the year including on pupil-free days, and all participants receive a certificate of attendance. Some of the courses meet the Federation of Australasian Philosophy in Schools Association (FAPSA) standards for Level 1 Certification.
QAPS provides a variety of professional development and training, including:
- Information sessions
- Teacher education in facilitating philosophical inquiry in the classroom
- Needs based strategic development for schools
- One day workshops
- Consultancy
QAPS conducts two hour introductory information sessions for parents and teachers in your school to explain frequently asked questions on the purpose and advantages of including philosophy in your classroom or integrating philosophy in the curriculum. Demonstration sessions can be arranged at your school.
For more information email Karen Taylor with your details and we will contact you. Information sessions can also be arranged through Buranda State School. For more information email Buranda State School with your details and you will be contacted, or phone the school on 3391-5896.
Teacher education – facilitating philosophical inquiry in the classroom
QAPS provides basic teacher education to individual teachers and schools. These courses are available to primary and secondary school teachers, as well as student teachers, teacher-educators, and philosophers. They are suitable for both beginners and those who wish to build on their current practice or to extend their current knowledge.
All teacher education courses are both conducted by trainers with certification and are approved by Federation of Australasian Philosophy in Schools Associations (FAPSA).
- Level 1 Certification - Getting started in the classroom
Level 1 certification consists of two full days of in-service, which variously includes introductory workshop sessions, information and practical ‘how to’ sessions, an experiential learning component, mentoring sessions, and a follow-up practical workshop. It is implemented over the duration of approximately one term to allow ample support for teachers.
Participants will be introduced to philosophy in schools and learn how to teach philosophy through a collaborative inquiry-based pedagogy known as the community of inquiry. The workshops will cover the development of conceptual understandings, reasoning skills, and how to plan for and integrate philosophy education into the classroom.
- School in-service for primary schools
For more information email Buranda State School with your details and you will be contacted, or phone the school on 3391-5896.
- School in-service for secondary schools
For more information email Karen Taylor with your details and we will contact you.
- Training for individual teachers (primary and secondary school)
Minimal number per course is 20 participants. For more information email Karen Taylor with your details and we will contact you.
- School in-service for primary schools
- Philosophy in the Classroom: an online course
‘Learning to Think: Philosophy in the Classroom’, is a comprehensive, fully facilitated course. Its development was funded through the Quality Teacher Program, and is facilitated by Buranda State School teachers.
No prior study in philosophy is required. It is a practical course consisting of five modules over fifteen weeks. Each module requires approximately three hours online and three hours offline. Assessment is based on classroom experiences, so participants must have regular access to a class (preferably primary or lower secondary).
More information is available from Buranda State School.
To register, go to The Learning Place.
Needs-based strategic development for schools
QAPS can provide strategic professional development and consultancy on how to plan for and integrate philosophy education into your school. It is suitable for whole schools who want to plan for the future. Strategic professional development offers both teacher education and consultancy implemented over a longer duration to provide maximum support for teachers and staff. This service is provided by experts and trainers with certification (teachers, philosophers and teacher educators) who will work alongside teachers to assist with planning to suit the school’s requirements, including the development of classroom materials and resources.
For more information email Karen Taylor with your details and we will contact you.
QAPS conducts one day workshops for individuals and for schools. These courses are suitable for teachers who have had basic teacher education and experience in the classroom.
For more information email Karen Taylor with your details and we will contact you.
- Follow up in-service and teacher support
For teachers who want to further advance their understanding of philosophical inquiry in the classroom and to improve on their current practice.
- Philosophy in the curriculum
These workshops are designed for teachers interested in gaining a greater understanding of philosophy and its relationship between concepts and ideas and the curriculum.
QAPS provides consultancy to suit your needs. We can put you in touch with experts in classroom theory and practice, on integrating curriculum, teaching and learning through philosophy in your classroom, on how to develop classroom materials and resources, and on how to plan for and integrate philosophy education into your school.
For more information email Karen Taylor with your details and we will contact you.
