Society for the Advancement of Philosophical Enquiry and Reflection in Education
Founded in 1992, SAPERE is the UK’s national charity for philosophical education. We promote philosophical enquiry as an educational approach that provides people with the skills they need to thrive in school and society.
Philosophical enquiry offers students and teachers the space they need to explore the big questions that affect learning and lives. We believe that these opportunities for thoughtful discussion are essential in a crowded curriculum and a changing world. By participating in philosophical enquiry, people sharpen their thinking, attune their listening, find their voice, boost their confidence, strengthen their relationships, and connect to their community. With these new skills and attitudes, they can develop knowledge and understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them.
The focus of our work is on the professional development of educators and other people who employ the pedagogy of Philosophy for Children and Communities (P4C) in their practice. We deliver long-term training programmes and support for these individuals and their institutions, and engage in research – often in partnership – to develop our practice and evidence our impact. Most of our work is in UK schools, universities, and community settings, but we are also active in educational networks around the world.
Research shows that the cognitive, social, and emotional skills developed through philosophical enquiry help close the attainment gap for disadvantaged learners, and it is for that reason that SAPERE focuses on schools that serve these underprivileged communities.