Learner Stories: Elise and Philosophy

When I first started the course, as a Year 11 I would not have been able to tell you what philosophy was. I was as new as they come. I was nervous that my peers would be intimidating Year 13 students and that I wouldn’t be able to ask my questions. However on the first call, I found myself (virtually) surrounded by kids just like myself - slightly nervous but curious with a thousand different budding questions. I felt welcomed and like I could relate to the kids in my class, (even through a screen.) Not only did I feel safe and supported in this kind of environment, but the content was digestible, accessible and very engaging.

I have found NetNZ’s Philosophy course to be structured for those of all abilities. For those like my 15 year old self - who couldn't tell you the definition of philosophy and for those who may have studied it before, even at a high level!

The class is often very diverse. Diverse in the sense of background, beliefs and location throughout New Zealand. In both years, we have had a wonderful mix of those with strong religious faiths, cultural backgrounds, different upbringings and experiences to mine, those of which I know I would never experience in my one school town. I have loved meeting like minded teens throughout Aotearoa.

Philosophy is a study which thrives through conversation and casual discussion. Philosophy taught through a video call for one hour a week was initially daunting and I was worried that I wouldn’t be learning enough. But how wrong I was… The community our class made (both years) is inclusive and there is such an influx of ideas, sources, recommendations, theories and prompts. So much so that it is often difficult to apply yourself to every single idea! While our teacher supports and prompts us, I have found that a great majority of learning I have done comes from my peers themselves. In short, if you have been debating this course but are worried about a lack of *face-to-face* discussion - fear not! Philosophy through NetNZ uses various softwares such as ‘Knowledge Forum’ and ‘Padlet’ in order to build those budding ideas and conversations outside of the ‘class-time.’

I love that in NetNZ’s philosophy course, all ideas and abilities are nurtured. My teacher, now has me set up for NCEA Level 3 at only 16 and my selected internals are personalised for the content I am learning at the time. I am eternally grateful for this course and how it opened up a love for this subject that I never would have known I have. I feel confident enough to engage in intellectual conversation with adults, I feel that the content we have explored has changed the way I look at my own life and morals and ultimately, I feel that I have a newfound awareness of the world around me, the world before me and the world in our future.

Thank you to my teacher in this course and to NetNZ for creating a network which allows me to connect with like-minded students in Aotearoa and an environment where my peers and I’s ideas can grow to their full potential. I feel so lucky to be a part of this course for a second year. Thank you.