Symposium for Gifted Education UK 2025

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)

2025
UK

About

The Symposium for Gifted Education

The Symposium for Gifted Education. There are many variables in education, but the most important variable, at the centre of delivering an effective gifted education, is the teacher. While popular discourse may claim that gifted children learn by themselves, there is convincing research to demonstrate that well qualified and knowledgeable teachers are critical. This study day for GATE teachers is an opportunity to explore some of the meta questions often raised by this cohort of students and will equip teachers with the knowledge they need to create excellent lessons and positive engagement on the Big Question.

We pride ourselves on providing high-quality resources tailored for classroom use, featuring practical and easy-to-implement lessons. Attendance at this event offers exceptional value at £195, with a reduced rate of £125 for a second member of staff from the same school. This includes a full set of resources and light refreshments.

‘Excellence is not an act but a habit.’

Aristotle

Programme

9:30

The Basic Philosophical Question – How to live a good life.

Julie Arliss

Aristotle (384 – 322 BCE) applied himself a great deal to the question of education of bright minds. He was the tutor of Alexander the Great and deeply concerned to work out how best to cultivate the youth of Athens in such a way that they might become happy and embrace the responsibility of progressing civilisation. Flourishing, understood along semi-Aristotelian lines has re-emerged recently and his answer to the question ‘how to live a good life’ will be the inspiration for this session.

10:30

Coffee Break

11:00

A fundamental Philosophical Question – What happens after death?

Julie Arliss

This is one of the big questions which inspires dialogue at every level and in every age group because there can be no certainty. And yet it is not simply a matter of opinion because it is also a matter of fact. Either, when we die there will be something, or there won’t. This session will equip teachers with competency to understand and explain the underlying questions and assumptions with resources to stimulate discussion back in class.

11:45

3. Swap Meet – sharing of ideas and networking

A Unique Opportunity to Share Expertise with Fellow Teachers of Gifted Students 

Join us to connect with like-minded educators, share best practices, and build stronger support networks for gifted students of all ages. We invite you to bring along your favourite approach or resource to inspire others.

If you’d like a 5-10 minute slot to showcase a specific idea, resource, or strategy, please get in touch — we’d love to hear from you!

12:30

Lunch

13:30

The Pedagogy of the Thought Experiment

Julie Arliss

The thought experiment is a fabulous device for use with more able students and can be employed across the curriculum and with any age group. This session will demonstrate this pedagogy using some classical thought experiments, each with a short video clip to stimulate discussion. Teachers will be given oven-ready resources and be better equipped to build their own thought experiments into routine classroom practice to stimulate creative thinking, critical thinking and imagination.

Speaker

Julie Arliss

Join us for an enriching teacher training event featuring Julie Arliss, an outstanding Gifted Educator renowned for nurturing brilliance through a holistic approach. At the core of Julie Arliss’ philosophy is a profound dedication to unlocking the unique potential within every educator and maximizing their impact.

Arliss believes that exceptional teaching extends beyond academic excellence; it encompasses innovative methodologies, access to comprehensive classroom resources, and a visionary approach to education. Thriving Minds Symposium for GATE equips teachers with the necessary tools to refine their teaching practices, curate impactful classroom resources, and envision transformative educational experiences.

This philosophy empowers educators to challenge norms, explore novel teaching strategies, and foster environments that inspire excellence. Emphasising mentorship and guidance, teachers benefit from Arliss’ expertise and support as they embark on their journey towards enhanced teaching practices and greater impact.

Julie Arliss’ legacy extends beyond the conference platform, influencing the lives of educators who carry these values throughout their careers. With almost three decades of collaboration with leading thinkers, Arliss has delivered outstanding programs for educators across the UK and Australasia.

Join us in embracing this transformative approach to teacher development and empowering the next generation of innovative and impactful educators. Register now to be part of this inspiring event.

Quotes from Previous Attendees

“The Symposium for Gifted Education has been a game-changer for me. The resources and insights provided have transformed how I approach teaching my most curious and capable students.”
“This event equips teachers with what we desperately need – practical tools to challenge gifted students while keeping them engaged. The focus on big ethical questions has been especially valuable in our philosophy classes.”

“It’s rare to find an event that blends theoretical depth with practical classroom application so seamlessly. The networking alone made the symposium worthwhile, but the resources are what I’ve used repeatedly throughout the year.”

“I left the symposium with a renewed passion for teaching. It’s inspiring to be part of a community that genuinely cares about how we can better support gifted learners.”

“The resources provided were outstanding – practical, ready to use, and thought-provoking. It’s rare to attend a professional development day that makes an immediate impact in the classroom.”

Venue

Bookings

The cost is £195 with a special offer of bring a second colleague from your school for just £125.

Registration includes access to all conference sessions and networking

Register

Join the Conversation

Connect with us on social media to stay updated and interact with fellow educators of gifted students.