Testimonials
"I was reminded what true pleasure it is to do philosophy together when the setting is just right. Annie opened the circle with a simple and clearly stated question and let us share our initial thoughts to get all warmed up. She carefully curated the flow, giving everyone space to talk and pushed us further with helpful examples to better approach the problem in question. She remained as engaged as she was detached, being a mindful guide for our discussion. Annie’s own curiosity and openness to wonder brought a sense of serious inquiry into the circle. These sessions left me with an expanded mind and a better overview of my own philosophical standing point." -
Jan Margen - Volunteer and wanderer
"Annie is a fantastic facilitator with really strong knowledge and understanding of philosophy. She is great at running sessions to introduce philosophy to all in a simple way. She ensured that activities were pitched at the right level for quite a mixed ability group and also encouraged everyone to participate. She also made sure that everyone had fun. I definitely went home wanting to learn more about philosophy!"
Ilona - Erasmus+ Participant
I really enjoyed Annie's facilitation of a philosophy discussion and 'when does the natural become unnatural?' because she was able to lead it in an intuitive way, and gave us solid, clear examples foe discussions while keeping us within the topic.
Zuleika - Erasmus+ Participant
After lockdowns and two disrupted school years, my Y5/6 children were struggling to think clearly, listen to each other and express opinions coherently. Over the weeks that Dr Webster and Simba visited, it was great to see their progress. They really enjoyed the discussions and learnt to express their thoughts more clearly and listen to the thoughts of others more critically. They often bring the situations they discussed into other lessons.
Sara Williams - Deputy Head of Brampton Abbotts Primary School
Annie really knows how to lead the group sensitively towards the right questions and keep the thoughts fair in a soft but precise way. Also, the questions that she asks are really good! A philosopher with a sharp mind and a good heart.
Elisabeth - Erasmus+ Participant
Annie holds a firm yet tender presence in anchoring a deep topic in a brave space. Her ability to let the discussion unfold yet bring it back to the core with curiosity and care leads to powerful debate on fascinating topics. Thank you.
Taila Rose, Educator and facilitator
For someone who has never participated in a philosophy discussion before, and have never studied it, I was a bit nervous about not being able to participate at the same intellectual level as everyone else. But not to worry – Annie managed to make it beautifully accessible and inclusive for everyone in the room. It has sparked my interest in philosophy. Thank you so much!
Erasmus+ Participant at the ASHA Centre
Wonderful reflections and Annie was such a good host, bringing the conversation back when we wandered too far. It was so engaging that suddenly three hours have passed.
Erasmus+ Participant at the ASHA Centre
I have been fortunate enough to attend many discussions and non-formal education sessions with Dr Annie Webster, and she has consistently shown herself to be a caring and passionate teacher, as well as an excellent facilitator and session leader.
Erasmus+ Participant at the ASHA Centre
So pleased to discover that I can philosophise despite not being a privileged white man who went to Oxford (which has generally been my impression of who philosophy is for). A part of me thought I wasn’t clever enough for philosophy. Lovely to sit by a fire and have open, well-facilitated conversations on key topics. Annie holds space and steers conversation well.
Erasmus+ Participant at the ASHA Centre
I found the philosophy discussions with Annie both stimulating and challenging. Holding a room with lots of different opinions can be a tricky job and Annie expertly studies proceedings, keep the questions fresh, and the discussion moving. She has a clear delight in her subject which is inspiring.