Education: what is it for?

Join us for an evening of ideas and conversation as The Philosophers’ Yard discusses Education.

Why educate people?

Schooling shapes our lives—but what should it be aiming at? Is an educated person defined by their knowledge, skills, social contribution, or capacity to flourish? Dr Laura D’Olimpio from the University of Birmingham explores the competing purposes of education, from critical thinking and social justice to vocational training and citizenship.

The unspoken truths within education

What does it really take for young people to succeed? Matthew Popo, Founder of the Wethnk Group shines a light on the hidden barriers students face, asking whether our current system prioritises grades over personal growth. Drawing on his work in youth engagement and pastoral care, he argues for a more balanced, youth-centred approach.

Defending philosophical education

Is teaching philosophy in schools essential, or unnecessary? In this playful, thought-provoking session led by Grace Lockrobin, Co-Director of ‘Thoughtful’, you’ll test arguments for and against philosophy in education through live debates: Knowledge vs skills (a grudge match); Philosophy in a poly-crisis; and AI: friend or foe for philosophical thinking?

Join the conversation about what education is—and what it could be.

Quotes from past attendees:

The discussion was beautifully constructed and it was an absolute joy to engage with people in so many different ways

It’s an amazing space that encourages conscious thinking and expression. I love it, thank you!

These events are amazing, I love them! Keep it up - it makes the world better 🙂

Ticketing

Please note that there are three ticketing options:

• General admission, £8
• Donation ticket, where you can select how much to pay
• If paying for a ticket is not financially feasible for you or our ticketing system presents some other barrier, please contact [email protected]. We have a small number of free tickets that will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis, no questions asked.

As a registered charity, all revenue generated from tickets will go, in full, towards supporting Philosophers' Yard events and activities.

Find out more about The Philosophers's Yard or about our other philosophy events on our website.

Info: Dr Laura D’Olimpio is Associate Professor of Philosophy of Education at the University of Birmingham, and co-founding editor of the Journal of Philosophy in Schools. Her books include Media and Moral Education: a philosophy of critical engagement, Educating Character Through the Arts, and The Necessity of Aesthetic Education: the place of the arts on the curriculum.

Info: Matthew Popo is the Founder and Lead Practitioner of The Wethnk Group, an organisation dedicated to positive youth engagement and youth-centred practice. With a background in criminology and experience across education, social care, community, and criminal justice, Matthew has worked nationally to improve outcomes for young people. Rooted in Birmingham’s inner-city communities, he champions mentoring, training, and advocacy—ensuring young people feel supported, valued, and empowered to reach their potential.

Info: Grace Lockrobin is Co-Director of Thoughtful (previously SAPERE) - a UK charity that works to realise the benefits of a philosophical education as widely and equitably as possible. Grace is also a philosophy teacher, trainer, facilitator, scholar and advocate. Over the last twenty years – through many academic and community projects – she has enjoyed philosophical conversations with thousands of thinkers of all ages, backgrounds and levels of experience.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, United Kingdom