School Events

Each year, VAPS runs school events. The are PICS (Philosophy in Classroom Spaces [incursions]) & PIPS (Philosophy in Public Spaces [excursions]).

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.

In 2026, the Victorian Department of Education has funded VAPS to provide 100% subsidised (free) philosophy programs to students as part of the Victorian Challenge & Enrichment Series. These programs are free to all Victorian government school students. These events include our PIPS events (excursions), and newly created PICS events (incursions).

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.

PIPS and PICS events 2026

In 2026 so far VAPS has held several PIPS and PICS events in various schools and contexts.

Here are a quote from a parent whose child attended our NGV Event:
“Many schools do not do philosophy with the students let alone give them the opportunity to get into a setting with other young people and discuss these concepts. We wholeheartedly love and support this program and feel so happy that our child has been part of it.
In our family we really want our kids to be able to discuss things, to be critical and analytical and curious. We want them to engage with complex issues and not feel intimidated and confronted and we are so pleased she had exposure to that in an educational setting. This has definitely planted some seeds for her we have no doubt she will want to explore further.
Thank you for all your work, effort and commitment. We are so appreciative and don’t take it for granted!”

PIPS and PICS events 2026

In 2026 so far VAPS has held several PIPS and PICS events in various schools and contexts.

Here are a quote from a teacher whose school had a PICS:
“The Incursion was fabulous for introducing students and as a refresher for me (the teacher) in extending all levels of kids into deeper areas of exploration of ideas and concepts. The Year 9 kids that are enrolled in the elective are chomping at the bit, after the PICS workshop.”