Trial designed to develop social skills and cognitive abilities had suggested improvements in other subjects
A controversial study that suggested engaging primary schoolchildren in philosophical discussions could also improve their maths and reading has been undermined by new research that found little or no improvements in those subjects.
An initial 2015 trial into the use of Philosophy 4 Children (P4C), a programme designed to develop social skills and cognitive abilities, had revealed an unexpected bonus in the form of improving reading and maths performance by the equivalent of two months in the primary schools that took part.
