Professor Grayling has been much in the news recently with his call for a formal Philosophy GCSE qualification in the curriculum. He accepted the invitation of Lancing College’s Head Master, Dominic Oliver, to speak about the study of philosophy in education and the importance of studying the humanities at university.
Lancing College is the senior school of the Woodard Corporation, one of the country’s leading educational providers and has a strong Christian foundation.
Dominic Oliver, said:
“It is a great pleasure to welcome Professor Grayling to Lancing. A central part of our mission is to cultivate and encourage rigorous and stimulating thought and we give our pupils time to think and to reflect in all sorts of forums from the classroom to the lecture hall. His visit is an important underscoring of our commitment to that mission. In last week’s TES he talked of a ‘screaming silence’ when it comes to philosophy in schools and I am delighted to report that here at Lancing we’re shouting its virtues from the rooftops.”
The author and editor of over 30 books, Professor Grayling is the founding professor of the New College of the Humanities in London. His previous visit to Lancing in June 2012 led to one student, George Linfield, applying to NCH to study English:
“When I was at Lancing I was always encouraged to push myself and further explore areas of learning beyond the curriculum, something that I have been able to continue at NCH. This early commitment to a wider breadth of education has opened doors to so many different areas of thought and allowed me to flourish at university. I have found the atmosphere at both institutions to be one where learning is not just expected but enjoyed.”
Lancing College is renowned for the breadth of the education it offers. Cultural, sporting and outreach endeavours are valued alongside its rigorous academic programme, so that all pupils can develop wide-ranging skills which enable them to embark with confidence on their future paths.