Albany Senior High School partners with Notre Dame University to deliver real-world philosophy classes

Students at Albany Senior High School were given a unique opportunity to ask life’s big and burning questions this term with Notre Dame philosopher Dr Heath Williams taking up residence at the school. Dr Williams became ASHS’s “philosopher-in-residence” this term and brought philosophy sessions to the school’s years 11 and 12 students. Year 11 students learned about how philosophy can apply to modern life, as well as the pathways for study and a career in the field. Year 12s focused on phenomenology, inquiry that centres around lived experience through group discussion and mindfulness exercises. Dr Williams said the sessions were designed to help students see philosophy as something relevant to their everyday lives and understand how it can help them navigate life’s challenges. “Philosophy challenges students to engage with life’s biggest questions about truth, beauty, goodness and to know thyself. These are the foundations of critical thinking, which every young Australian should have access to,” he said. “Bringing philosophy into schools equips students not just for exams or university, but for the moral and intellectual challenges of life.” ASHS humanities and social sciences teacher Lisa Bryan said having Dr Williams at the school to work with senior students helped broaden their education and thinking as they tackle their final years of high school. “The appeal of having Dr Williams join our school as philosopher-in-residence lies in his extensive expertise in a challenging field and his proven ability to make philosophy and ethics accessible to students,” she said. “Our Year 11 and 12 students have greatly benefited from his guidance in critical reasoning, phenomenology and understanding the value of studying philosophy. “Through Dr Williams, we have been able to provide our students with university-level tuition, enriching their academic experience. “At ASHS, we believe a well-rounded education encompasses a diverse range of subjects. “Philosophy and ethics, in particular, are essential for developing critical thinking and reasoning skills-abilities that are increasingly vital in the complex, interconnected world we live in today.” Dr Williams will return to Albany Senior High School later this year for further sessions, continuing to enrich the school’s philosophy and ethics program.