Academy Conferences - Julie Arliss

Academy Conferences UK

National Series of Gifted and Talented Events

for 14 – 19 year olds

Aimed at Nurturing those with Exceptional Cognitive Ability. Speakers are typically Polymaths who are integrative and progressive in their attitude to human knowledge. Includes Professor Tom Greggs, Professor Raymond Tallis, Dr Mark Lewney, Dr Andrew Pinsent. There is always a science topic and a philosophy / ethics topic on the programme to engage all interests. Key idea driving these events – what can each subject area learn from and contribute to other areas of knowledge. The relationship between different areas of human understanding. Largest event is Oxford – 720 students per year. Total of 2000 students a year; capacity for 3500.

National Series of A Level Philosophy, Ethics and Religion events

for 16 – 18 year olds

Current curriculum is highly integrative. Includes the contribution of cosmology, quantum theory, neuroscience, psychology and sociology to knowledge of the spiritual. Key areas of study: analytic theology, questions about freewill, problem of evil, knowledge of the spiritual, ethical frameworks, practical ethics. Popular A level, growing subject area in schools. Total of 1500; capacity for 3500.

Teacher training

Academy has relationships with all the UK exam boards and works in co-operation with them and Oxford University to provide the highest quality of professional development. We offer training for Science & Religion, Philosophy & Ethics and all areas of advanced study specifications. Total of 100; capacity 300.

King’s College Taunton

Woodard School with progressive head (Maths and Philosophy degree from Oxford, artist, musician, cook, cabinet maker etc.)

Symposium South West
Philosothon movement
Philosophy for Children – embryonic – to develop philosophy curriculum for 13 year olds. Research to evaluate the impact of sound thinking upon development of good character and moral life.

Philosothon UK

Julie runs the Philosothon initiative in the UK www.philosothon.co.uk which encourages deep conversation on matters of importance using the community of inquiry method. The first national competition was held at Stowe School in Spring 2021 with the regional finalists competing against each other.

Academy Conferences Australasia

National Series of Gifted and Talented Events

for 15 – 17 year olds

Aimed at Nurturing those with Exceptional Cognitive Ability. There is always a science topic and a philosophy / ethics topic on the programme to engage with young scientists and mathematicians. Key idea driving these events – what can each subject area learn from and contribute to other areas of knowledge. The relationship between different areas of human knowledge. 2200 – 2500 students per year, in over 10 hub cities. Potential 500 per city.

National Series of Gifted and Talented Events

For 12-14 year olds

As above – adapted for younger students. Includes a community of enquiry, a debate & two talks (one science, one philosophy). 2000 students per year, in over 10 hub cities. Potential for more centres.