Specially designed for 6th–8th grade students applying to competitive boarding schools. Each program introduces students to the “Hues + Logic” writing framework, combining skill-building with real results through national and international writing competitions. The Orange Programs focus more on the “Logic” framework basing itself in the study of logical structures, argumentation, and analytical clarity, preparing students for contests like the Ayn Rand Institute Essay and John Locke Essay Competitions. 

This Orange Bundle Program prepares students for more rigorous philosophical and critical writing through the lens of the John Locke Essay Competition. Designed for grades 6–8, the program emphasizes structured reasoning, thesis development, and analytical depth. Students will gain early exposure to advanced prompts and competition-style writing that enhance their ability to think critically and communicate with precision. The John Locke focus equips students with standout essays and credentials that add strength to their academic resumes. Students explore Locke’s emphasis on reason, liberty, and the pursuit of knowledge, learning to write essays that weigh complex ideas and advocate for well-supported positions.

Objectives:
✓ Gain an understanding of what philosophy is, why it is important, and how it helps us better understand the world in which we live ✓ Review fundamental philosophical concepts 
✓ Practice engaging in philosophical discussions and debates by utilizing the Socratic method
✓ Learn the fundamental value of philosophical inquiry
✓ Review the basics of logical writing and argumentation
✓ Practice creating sound arguments in written form
✓ Gain advanced essay writing skills needed to inform, critique, and persuade
✓ Critically review philosophical texts from philosophers such as Plato, Descartes, Kant, Bentham, and Sartre
✓ Apply your understanding of philosophical inquiry, ethics, and logic in writing to form your own philosophical perspective(s)
✓ Learn how to craft a philosophically-based, 2,000-word max essay for the John Locke Essay competition
✓ Apply philosophical concepts, logical writing, and argumentation to persuasive essay writing
✓ Utilize knowledge of philosophy to create an innovative approach to your essay 

Learning Outcomes: 
✓ Can successfully engage in the Socratic method of discussion
✓ Has a foundation in epistemology, ethics, and ethical dilemmas
✓ Gain advanced knowledge of argumentation and logical reasoning
✓ Can argue points effectively through writing
✓ Capable of debunking flawed arguments in writing
✓ Able to identify logical fallacies
✓ Gain an understanding of multiple types of logical reasoning
✓ Gain a strong understanding of how a logical argument is formed, defended, and refuted
✓ Gain a deeper understanding of how to apply philosophy to multiple disciplines
✓ Can structure and implement an innovative approach to an essay prompt in any category
✓ Understands the structure and foundation of a persuasive essay 
✓ Gains a deeper understanding of concepts and levels of critical thinking required for an exceptional John Locke essay 

Class Timeline:
✓ 45 mins. per lesson (20 mins. for instruction, 20 mins. for discussion & debate, 5 mins. for homework review & Q/A)
✓ Have lessons twice per week

Detailed Lesson Plan:

Part 1 (Orange)
Week 1a: Defining “philosophy”—what is it?
Week 1b: The Socratic method—how to use it and why
Week 2a: Debate & discussion—how to form a logical response to an argument
Week 2b: Defining “epistemology”—how do we know what we know?
Week 3a: Defining “ethics”—what is your personal code of ethics?
Week 3b: Ethical dilemmas—the Trolley Problem and the Prisoner’s Dilemma
Week 4a: Writing Task #1 and in-class evaluation/feedback
Week 4b: Distinguish between opinions and facts
Week 5a: Learn how to prove your argument using premises and conclusions
Week 5b: Testing arguments—are they valid?
Week 6a: Inductive and deductive reasoning—what is the difference?
Week 6b: Recognize and reproduce types of logical fallacies
Week 7a: Make refutable arguments based on a prompt
Week 7b: Practice developing counterarguments
Week 8a: Learn how to introduce supportive evidence
Week 8b: Writing Task #2 and in-class evaluation/feedback
Week 9a: Read & Discuss—Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”
Week 9b: Read & Discuss—Descartes’ “First Meditation”
Week 10a: Read & Discuss—Kant’s Categorical Imperative
Week 10b: Read & Discuss—Jeremy Bentham’s theory of utilitarianism
Week 11a: Capstone Project #1: Respond to an ethical dilemma 
Week 11b: Capstone Project #2: Form a logical argument to prompt
Week 12a: Capstone Project #3: Form a logical response to Plato, Descartes, Kant, or Bentham
Week 12b: Evaluation—Receive an evaluation of your work  

Part 2 (John Locke):
Week 13: Ideation & Brainstorming—Come up with ideas for potential prompts
Week 14: Topic Confirmation—Select a prompt and come up with working ideas
Week 15: Lecture—Gain background knowledge on your chosen prompt
Week 16: Seminar—Discuss scholarly sources in-depth and narrow down your essay ideas
Week 17: Outline—Review a logical outline template, model outline, and reading sources
Week 18: First Draft and Edits—Write the first draft of your essay and receive detailed edits and feedback
Week 19: Second Draft and Edits—Write the second draft of your essay and receive detailed edits and feedback
Week 20: Final Edits, Polishing, and evaluation: Polish your draft overall so that it is ready for submission, and receive an evaluation of your essay writing skills