Friday, 20th November

During my last day at Bishop Luffa school I had the opportunity to observe a P4C class taught by Mr Walker to Year 8 students. The session was called ´My responsibility to others´and was about charitable giving.

Mr Walker reminds the students that the purpose of P4C is not to tell students what to do, but rather to give them accurate information so that they can take their own personal decisions.

As Christmas is coming soon, this class will make students aware of their gifts list, and it will show them the importance of responsible giving and the possibility of taking into account charity, alternative presents. This is a challenge to the traditional commercial view of Christmas.

To begin with, Mr Walker asks the students about the meaning of the word 'responsibility'. The starter task consists in writing their 'wants list', making it clear that there is a difference between wants and needs. Students are also invited to make a list of approximate costs associated with their list. Later, they will compare their personal list with their neighbour´s list. I notice that, even though the first part of the activity was supposed to be individually done, most students are talking about their wants with other people. This seems to be a very interesting task for them.

The teacher shows the award winning video 'Don't buy crap'. He is not only focussing on the content of the video, but also on the strategies used to make it effective and impressive. After watching the video, students are invited to work in teams. They must prepare a short presentation to raise awareness of the Oxfam unwrapped scheme. Later, they will be encouraged to talk before the plenary in order to present their 'pitch'. This will not only make them aware of the importance of this initiative, but if will also improve their communication skills.

I feel quite surprised at the way this subject is taught, in close and direct connection with the real life and personal interests of the students. Instead of discussing about abstract concepts or philosophical ideas, they are always focussed on practical, down-to-earth topics that have a real impact in the pupils´ lives!