Event and Ticketing Details
Dates & Times
Tuesday 30 September
10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
The Philosophy Club shares the passion, creative freedom and exchange of ideas at the heart of philosophy with children. This creates a space where kids can immerse themselves in big questions and play with a universe of ideas together.
We’ll invite children to swim around in the murky question of what is it to be good. Why should we be good, if no one’s watching?
And what does it mean to make your own decisions and choices? Are there forces that control us – and can we resist them?
We’ll tackle these questions and more, through story, play and discussion.
This program, developed by philosopher Michelle Sowey and educator David Urbinder, is a wonderful opportunity for kids aged 8–11 to stretch their minds and play with ideas.
Hosted by Michelle Sowey.
Wheeler Kids
Immersion in literacy is one of the most important factors in determining the outcome of a child’s future – and nurturing a love of books and reading is part of that. Also, kids plus books and writing equals fun. We’re delighted to be presenting a new series of events for the younger reader in your life: Wheeler Kids. Roll up and enjoy!
Featuring
Michelle Sowey
Michelle Sowey directs The Philosophy Club, offering stimulating workshops that spark philosophical wonder and dialogue among curious children. After receiving first-class honours in philosophy from the University of NSW, Michelle worked in intelligence analysis and educational equity before dedicating herself to supporting children’s thinking through philosophical dialogue.
She began The Philosophy Club in living rooms and community halls across Melbourne and Sydney, using a process of collaborative enquiry to ignite children’s curiosity and to help them make sense of their world.
In 2013, The Philosophy Club launched the Big Questions philosophy mentoring program which connected university-level philosophy students with primary school students from low socio-economic backgrounds. In 2014 Michelle was awarded the Prize for Innovation in Inclusive Curricula by the Australasian Association of Philosophy in recognition of her success in making philosophical dialogue accessible to a wide range of participants.
While continuing to run extra-curricular workshops and to train facilitators in the practice of philosophy with children, Michelle is seeking to partner with schools keen to inspire their students' critical and creative thinking.
David Urbinder
Educator and designer David Urbinder creates The Philosophy Club’s innovative curriculum materials, providing rich learning experiences that engage children in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, collaboration and reflection.
David has been involved in The Philosophy Club’s development since its inception, initially through curriculum and resource development, and more recently as a facilitator and development manager. David is passionate about the capacity of philosophical dialogue to empower a new generation by promoting more rational and independent thinking.
Drawing on his background in education and psychology, David has helped shape The Philosophy Club’s unique curricula of activities and discussion plans. Using skills he developed through his career in media and design, David has created a range of multimedia ‘idea catalysts’ in the form of original films, scripts, stories, soundtracks and theatrical activities, all designed to provoke children’s deep and whimsical thinking.