Kevin Mc Arevey

Principal, Holy Cross Boys' Primary School

2026

For 13 of my 29 years at Holy Cross Boys' Primary School, I have had the privilege of serving as Principal. My educational journey began at Queen's University Belfast, where I graduated with an honours degree in 1992, before completing a PGCE at St Mary's Teacher Training College. Later, while serving as Vice Principal, I completed a Master's in Education, which deepened my interest in developing critical and creative thinking skills in young people. That journey ultimately led me back to philosophy and to the inspiration behind the award-winning documentary Young Plato. Directed by the remarkable Neasa Ní Chianáin, alongside the talented Declan McGrath, and produced by David Rane, Young Plato is a powerful observational documentary set in post-conflict Ardoyne, a working-class community in North Belfast shaped by a complex and challenging history. Once defined by the Troubles, Ardoyne now faces many of the social and economic difficulties that affect communities across the world, including poverty, addiction, mental health issues, and the lingering effects of conflict. Philosophy can be difficult to define, but at its heart it is a shared journey of dialogue, questioning, reflection, and discovery. At Holy Cross Boys', we often describe it as "thinking about thinking" - an idea inspired by Plato himself. The children featured in Young Plato use a range of philosophical strategies and approaches, many of which originate from The Philosophy Foundation (TPF), the organisation that trained our staff and recognised Holy Cross Boys' as a TPF School. My commitment to the Ardoyne community and to the boys in our care is deeply personal. Having grown up in the working-class community of Lenadoon in West Belfast, I understand many of the challenges our families face. My parents, Rita and Maxi, instilled in me the belief that education could open doors and provide opportunities beyond the influences and limitations that can sometimes surround young people. It is my hope that every child who comes through our school will discover pathways that enable them to fulfil their potential and shape positive futures. The message of Young Plato extends far beyond Belfast. It offers hope to communities facing adversity and demonstrates how philosophical thinking can help young people navigate complex challenges. Through the thinking strategies showcased in the documentary, alongside my book Think Think Respond (TTR) and the accompanying TTR Song available on Spotify, we seek to equip children and families with tools to think more deeply, communicate more effectively, and make wiser choices. Together, this work highlights the transformative power of philosophy. It can strengthen mental health and wellbeing, help young people challenge misinformation, and foster the critical thinking skills needed in today's world. More importantly, it encourages the development of wisdom, compassion, and understanding, qualities that can help individuals, communities, and societies flourish. Kevin Mc Arevey (Principal) Holy Cross Boys' Primary School