Host a Thriving Minds Intermediate Stretch & Challenge Conference

20,000+ students engaged | UK • Australia • New Zealand | 20+ years' experience | Led by experienced educators and academics

2027 Programme: The Philosophy & Science of Time

We are now inviting schools across the UK to host a 2027 conference.

Bring this unique interdisciplinary experience to your students and your region.

A one-day conference for ambitious students (Years 7–9) exploring the most profound and puzzling questions:

Students don’t just learn about ideas, they learn how to think.

Apply to host a conference

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What the day looks like

1. Philosophy Session: The Big Questions

Students explore foundational questions such as:

What is truth?
What makes a good life?

They begin to see how philosophical thinking challenges assumptions and reshapes how we understand the world.

2. Community of Inquiry: Freedom of Speech

A structured, student-led discussion where ideas are tested collaboratively.

Students learn to:

Listen carefully
Build on others’ ideas
Think critically without “winning”

This is where confidence and intellectual independence really grow.

3. Science Session: The Science of Time

Students encounter some of the biggest scientific questions:

Does time really exist?
Why does it seem to move in one direction?
Is time travel possible?

This connects abstract thinking to cutting-edge scientific ideas.

4. Debate: Does Love Conquer All?

A lively, structured debate drawing on:

Philosophy
Theology
Personal reasoning

Students explore whether love is always transformative — or whether it has limits.

Download teacher Information Brochure

Why Host



Bring a high-quality academic event to your students



Invite other local schools to attend



Raise the profile of your department and school



Create a memorable intellectual experience for your pupils

We provide

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Full programme and speakers

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Event structure and materials



Booking system and admin support

How hosting works

How it works

You offer to host (via short form)
We agree a date and capacity with you
We open bookings to local schools
We deliver the event with you

Typical host schools

Provide a hall / lecture space
Welcome visiting schools
Bring their own students

Apply to host your event

Bespoke

Bring a Conference to Your School

If you are unable to attend one of our national conferences, we also offer bespoke in-school events.

Schools can choose from our established programmes:

Prefer something just for your school?

All of our programmes are available as bespoke in-school events.