Philosophical discussions boost pupils' maths and literacy progress, study finds

Primary school pupils across England take part in trial as part of 'philosophy for children' study, with pupil-led discussions on topics such as fairness and bullying

Philosophical discussions about truth, fairness or kindness appear to give a small but significant boost to the maths and literacy progress of primary school pupils, although experts remain puzzled as to why.

More than 3,000 pupils in 48 state primary schools across England took part in a year-long trial as part of a study named "philosophy for children", and found that their maths and reading levels benefited by the equivalent of two months' worth of teaching.