Festival of Thought

Welcome to the Festival of Thought!

As the PSHE lead in our school, I’ve always been deeply intrigued by the inner workings of the human mind and the profound impact that introspection and contemplation can have on individuals of all ages. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to creating spaces where people can explore the bigger questions about life and the world around them without fear of judgment or repercussion.

Many years ago, I introduced the concept of the ‘Festival of Thought’ within our school—a dynamic and interactive space divided into different areas to cater to various aspects of thinking. Here, both children and adults alike are invited to reflect, let go, question, and engage with the deeper issues that often go unaddressed in our daily lives.

The Festival of Thought revolves around three main themes:

Thinking About Ourselves: This area encourages self-reflection and introspection, allowing individuals to explore their personal values, beliefs, and emotions in a nurturing environment.
Thinking About Our Communities: In this section, we delve into topics related to our immediate surroundings and the communities we belong to, fostering a sense of connection and responsibility towards one another.
Thinking About the Wider World: Here, we broaden our perspective and consider global issues that impact us all, from environmental sustainability to social justice and beyond.

The success of the Festival of Thought has been truly remarkable. The insights and reflections shared by participants—whether they be pupils, staff members, or governors—have provided invaluable guidance for our school’s PSHE planning, ensuring that our curriculum remains relevant, responsive, and impactful.

We have since recreated the Festival of Thought on multiple occasions, finding it to be an invaluable tool, particularly during challenging times such as the pandemic. Our pupils and staff members alike have found solace and catharsis in expressing their thoughts and feelings, especially after our return to school once Covid restrictions were lifted.

To give you a glimpse into the magic of the Festival of Thought, I’ve shared a video documenting our first and most recent iterations. These videos capture the essence of our journey—from humble beginnings as an experimental concept to a powerful tool for fostering meaningful conversations and connections.

While you can find some resources for creating your own Festival of Thought on here, I highly encourage you to tailor the experience to suit your school’s unique needs and the individual needs of your pupils. Feel free to reach out to me if you’re interested in further support or professional development in this area.

Join us at the Festival of Thought as we embark on a journey of exploration, discovery, and growth. Together, let’s ignite the spark of curiosity and inspire conversations that have the power to shape our understanding of ourselves, our communities, and the world we inhabit.

Enjoy!