Dr Neil Phillipson –P4C Trainer

Qualifications:

PhD (Chemistry),Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Sec. Science), SAPERE Registered Trainer in Philosophy for Children (P4C)

Team Role

P4C Trainer

Strengths

Experienced provider of Level 1 Training and in-school support for Philosophy for Children

Expertise in dialogic teaching and learning

Facilitator of dialogue in a range of settings

Uses drama to deepen philosophical enquiry and community dialogue

Works regularly with trainee teachers through Keele and North Staffordshire Primary SCITT

In brief

An erstwhile Head of Science in a secondary school, Neil’s career was transformed by an encounter with Philosophy for Children in 2009. He is now a SAPERE-registered Level 1 trainer in P4C, running regular open courses and working in schools to help them to develop philosophical thinking. Much of his work involves the facilitation of rich dialogue (sometimes through drama) in educational and other settings, and is underpinned by the belief that the way we respond to other perspectives is central to the quality of our learning and our wider relationships. 

Neil’s experience

Neil began teaching in 1999 and spent ten years as a secondary science teacher (including three as a Head of Department). Since then he has taught in KS1 and KS2 and has worked for three years as a local authority and National Strategies consultant. In 2013 he began working independently and is an experienced provider of high-quality CPD and support to both primary and secondary schools.

Exposure

Primary and secondary schools across England; regular conference speaker; Associate Trainer with University of the First Age (Peer Tutoring); provider of training for NASUWT; Tutor at Keele and North Staffordshire Primary SCITT; involved in projects with Manchester Metropolitan University (use of Drama in enquiry) and Exeter University (Dialogic Teaching); developing Community Dialogue with Crewe Town Council.