The Plan for 2023:
- We plan to run 2 separate groups (numbers dependent): One for the new Year 7s, and one for Year 8s and 9s. We hope this helps to engage the students and meet the different needs of these groups.
- We also plan to make meditation a central focus of the sessions. We will start each session with a period of quiet time/meditation, so please ensure your child arrives on time for this. If your child had not taken the School’s mantra-based practice, rest assured we will be able to accommodate them with an alternative practice.
- Flagging our next session for 2023 is the Mt Wilson weekend on 25-26 March, so please think about whether you would like your child/ren to attend that. We will send more information about this, after the 19 Feb session.
- Lastly, please find below a list of the topics we plan to explore this year.
YEAR 7 PROGRAM
1. Transitioning into high school
a. Making friends
b. Inner confidence
2. Social image, the online world & setting boundaries
a. Exploring image & identity in the online world
b. Know thyself content from Part 1
3. Building resilience & coping with change
a. Understanding the stress response
b. Non-criticism and self-acceptance
4. Accessing stillness in a busy world
a. The 3 Energies (Swan, Tiger & Sloth)
b. c. Attention open/centred model
d. The Pause
5. Making wise decisions
a. Discussion around some of the big decisions people make
b. Part 1 – What would a wise person do here?
6. Values in action – getting clear on my values and how I can live them
a. Values reflection exercise
b. How can I bring my values more fully into my school and home life?
7. The power of beauty
a. Values in action cont’d
b. Power of beauty
YEAR 8/9 PROGRAM
1. Social image, the online world & setting boundaries
– Exploring image & identity in the online world
– How do we set boundaries? What are healthy boundaries?
2. Inner confidence and clarity
– Inner confidence
o Where does confidence come from?
o What do we do to build and maintain confidence?
3. Managing time, busyness and procrastination
a. Quotes on planning, focus and procrastination
4. Accessing stillness in a busy world
a. The 3 Energies (Swan, Tiger & Sloth)
b. c. Attention open/centred model
d. The Pause
5. Discovering your gifts 1
• VIA character strengths survey
• Heart Map
6. Discovering your gifts 2
• Heart Map (Steve Abrahams)
7. Life as excellence
Plato on excellence
If you are interested in joining a Philosophy Group for High School students, please contact James Donald on james.n.donald@gmail.com
