SAPERE was registered as a charity in 1994 with the main aim as follows:
"the advancement of education for the public benefit, in particular amongst those young persons up to the age of 16 years, by the promotion of the development of their skills in logical thinking and other philosophical techniques so that their personal and social lives are enriched."
Our objectives
We serve as the United Kingdom P4C co-ordinating body to:
- promote philosophical enquiry as an important dimension of school and college curriculum development
- raise levels of educational achievement through philosophical enquiry
- develop materials that stimulate philosophical enquiry in a range of contexts
- raise funds for projects that aim to develop communities of philosophical enquiry
- raise awareness of philosophical enquiry in education and communities through conferences and training courses
- organise and validate training courses in the theory and practice of philosophical enquiry in education
- keep members in touch with development through monthly emails and an annual printed publication
- set up networks and local groups catering for people with a professional or non-professional interest in philosophical enquiry
In order to carry out these objectives the society established and continues to develop:
- INSET for schools and authorities
- Philosophy for Children Courses
- Philosophy for Communities Courses
- Enquiry Based Learning Courses
- Validation and certification of P4C Trainers and course attendees
- Membership and networking
- Resources (including the publication of 3 P4C handbooks)
- Newsletters and e-bulletins
- Conferences, seminars, and CPD for trainers
- Projects
- Research opportunities
- Representation and advisory roles
The office staff provide a monthly report to trustees through an online network and also meet regularly to report on progress made, and to plan next steps forward.
SAPERE members are invited to contribute to the society’s development and there are many opportunities to do so.
Governance
As a registered charity SAPERE is required to have a constitution which was first written in 1994 and revised in 2009. SAPERE has a board of trustees who are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and it is their responsibility to manage the charity. At the AGM the Chair and Treasurer present an annual report and the audited financial accounts.
The next Annual General Meeting is on Saturday 23rd November 2013 in Birmingham.