Izzie Kirk

Throughout her career, she has worked in two schools with mixed demographics, supporting children of different ages and a wide range of additional learning needs. She encourages pupils to explore, discuss, and challenge their ideas within an inclusive, curious, and non-judgemental environment.

Her P4C training has enabled her to lead workshops with children from other schools through Thoughtful (previously SAPERE) projects, address controversial and current topics across the school, and collaborate with authors focused on the use of talk in education. She has also facilitated philosophical work with children on EHCPs, delivered training to SCITT students within her school’s trust, and shared her expertise with colleagues as the P4C subject lead. In this role, she supports the integration and assessment of P4C across subjects, with particular emphasis on the growing focus on Oracy in the national curriculum following the publication of We Need to Talk by the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education.

Izzie actively encourages teachers to champion P4C, recognising its role in empowering pupils to develop their voice, reflect on their own and others’ values, and engage with understanding, patience, and acceptance. She believes this practice helps prepare children to become thoughtful, tolerant, and responsible members of society who are mindful of the impact of their words. In a world that can feel overwhelming for young people, Izzie advocates for creating safe, shared spaces where pupils can develop active listening skills and engage in reflective, respectful dialogue—fostering empathy and meaningful connections with others.