Who we are
VAPS promotes critical and creative thinking among young people.
Find out moreSchool Events
Each year, VAPS runs school excursion events called PIPS (Philosophy in Public Spaces).
PIPS events are run to stimulate philosophical thinking in students. Between 5 – 12 schools attend each PIPS event and bring 10 students each, then those students are mixed up into groups of 10 and placed with a facilitator. The facilitator is a member of VAPS trained in facilitating philosophical communities of inquiry.
PIPS events run in locations of cultural significance whereby we have access to thought provoking material.
Students observe a chosen stimulus (artwork, exhibition, show) with their mixed-school group and facilitator, before beginning a philosophical discussion about the ‘big ideas’ present in their stimulus to begin their community of inquiry discussion. The facilitator guides students towards philosophical questioning and thought processes, however the topic is chosen by the students themselves based on the ideas that the stimulus provoked in them.
See our Events Page for details of upcoming events
What we offer
Supporting teachers in fostering the intellectual and social skills that enable students to think philosophically.
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Upcoming events
Our Philosophy in Public Spaces Events are run throughout each calendar school year.
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Become a member
Becoming a member grants access to the members’ resources and discounted access to events.
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