A SPACE TO COMMUNICATE
PHILOSOPHICAL DIALOGUE AND INQUIRY
We support learners of all ages to have philosophical conversations about questions that matter to them.
By respectfully engaging with others in dialogue (listening and responding), we deepen our understanding of who we are and what it means to be human. By doing this in a community, we become more aware of how we relate to other people and are empowered to explore ways of being together that are more nurturing and freeing.
Inquiry enables us to gain insights into our own capacities and the world around us. We develop our critical and creative thinking skills and become better equipped at responding to the world. We connect to ourselves, each other, and the world. We do this with playfulness, compassion, and curiosity.
ABOUT
I am a facilitator of dialogue and inquiry; a philosophy practitioner, teacher trainer, and education consultant based in London.
I am a registered trainer with SAPERE, DialogueWorks, and Thinking Space.
SERVICES
I offer bespoke training, as well as workshops and courses in philosophical dialogue and inquiry, and anti-bias education, to organizations, community groups, schools, colleges and universities.
I also provide a range of internationally recognized training courses validated by SAPERE and DialogueWorks.
TESTIMONIALS
'Maria’s gift for sensitive communication and rigorous probing in order to clarify meaning are ever-present. All staff speak positively about their experiences and always note how challenging yet supportive they are.’
ALAN GIRLING/ DEPUTY HEAD / NEW END PRIMARY SCHOOL, HAMPSTEAD
'Philosophy makes you think about what you think. We learn to listen to others, to broaden your opinion and to think and ask questions about important issues'
CHARLOTTE, 13
'Brilliant delivery! Your spirit is so joyful and your passion is contagious'
A.G. MONTESSORI TEACHER
‘Fantastic manner – very quickly adapted/responded to the needs of the group while keeping serene/calm . . . I felt sad we’re finished – it has been an amazing opportunity to really think through how we can facilitate critical thinking with children (and other skills of course!)’
KELLIE RUSSEL / HEAD OF SCHOOL/ HERSTMONCEUX COE PRIMARY SCHOOL
‘The class is brilliant. I love the way Maria tries to involve all of the children and draw out the shy ones, yet without ever putting them under pressure. She never tries to force anyone to say something, yet she gives them all very gentle opportunities to take part. She makes sure that everyone gets a chance to have their say and that no one dominates the conversation. She is careful not to undermine anyone's self-esteem or squash anyone's enthusiasm though. The more confident and less confident members of the class are equally well catered for.
She treats the children with respect and sets up an atmosphere in which they will respect one another too. No one is ever made to feel that their ideas are wrong or stupid - everyone can say what they think but it is also okay for the children to change their minds. Maria manages to hold everyone's attention and copes with a wide age group admirably, so that the eldest and youngest can each participate and draw something out of the sessions at their own levels. She has complete control of the group without ever appearing to dominate.
There is so much being learnt here. Some of it it is obvious, but some is more subtle. There is a pervading calm and the whole ethos is lovely. Respect for others, respect for ideas, not being afraid to make a mistake or to change your mind, enjoying a mental challenge’
YVONNE, HOME ED PARENT
