The Federation of Australasian Philosophy in Schools Associations (FAPSA) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a substantial grant from the Templeton Religion Trust to fund a philosophy in schools project from September 2017 to August 2020. The Project will further develop Philosothons in Australasia by growing existing Philosothons and supporting the establishment of new ones, particularly in remote schools and at schools catering for students from low socio-economic backgrounds.
The Philosothon Project was conceived by Mr Matthew Wills, the then Head of Philosophy, Values and Religion at Hale School in Western Australia. A Philosothon is an event that brings students together with students from other schools using Community of Inquiry. There students seek to investigate a complex ethical or philosophical problem in a collaborative manner. Philosothons promote critical and creative thinking and collaboration skills.
You will find links below online application forms for the various grants. Click here for a list of previous grant winners. We ask for applications to be submitted by the end of November each year for the following year. Please note that the funds received must be used by the successful applicant in the allocated year. Currently there are still grants available for 2018.
GRANTS
New Regional Philosothons: Subsidies are available for schools to help regional and remote schools cover the costs associated with starting up their own local Philosothon. This will involve other schools in their area. Click here for an application form.
New Philosothons will be supported in cities that do not currently have one, including the ACT, New Zealand, the Northern Territory, Singapore, South Australia, and Tasmania. Click here for an application form
Northern Territory Grant applications- These are travel grants to enable teachers to participate in professional development opportunities related to the Philosothon Project. Some priority will be given to indigenous teachers and or teachers of indigenous students. Please fill in the online application form and we notify you ASAP if your application was successful. Click here to apply.
Travel & Participation subsidies: Subsidies will be provided to assist students/staff who might not otherwise be able to participate in a Philosothon. This might be because they live in remote locations or because the school is dealing with students from low socio-economic backgrounds. Click here for an application form.
Judges/facilitators subsidy- Money is available to schools to pay judges/facilitators an Honorarium to cover travel costs etc. Click here for an application form
Teacher training subsidy- Teacher training subsidy- If you are wanting to complete an introductory course to teach Philosophy FAPSA approved courses or advanced teacher training subsidies are available in 2019. Click here for an application form
Training for Phd Students: Training and professional development will be organised to allow students to be trained in Community of Inquiry pedagogy which, in turn, enables them to act as facilitators in Philosothons. Students that have completed an introductory FAPSA approved course can be subsidised to complete advanced teacher training course in 2019. Click here for an application form
Resource development: Teachers and academics will be recruited to consult on and develop age appropriate resources to be used as stimulus material for Philosothons. A website will be developed to house these resources and enable access for all participants. Click here for an application form.
FAPSA is an umbrella organisation which seeks to enrich and expand philosophy education in primary and secondary schools in Australasia. It supports the interests of its nine affiliated Associations through professional development and advocacy initiatives, has an official open access journal, Journal of Philosophy in Schools, and holds a biennial conference. Contact: Project co-ordinator Mr Matthew Wills (e) philosothon@yahoo.com | Ph: +61 (0)400 029 660 | FAPSA Website: http://fapsa.org.au/
This project was made possible through the support of a grant from Templeton Religion Trust. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Templeton Religion Trust.