Foundations for success
Year 7-9 / Ages 12-14
Big ideas for curious minds
2025/2026
UK
The Intermediate Conference is a unique opportunity for students to step beyond the classroom and engage with big ideas that challenge their perspectives and inspire intellectual curiosity. By attending, students will:
As one student from last year’s event reflected: “I left the conference feeling ready to take charge of my education and explore new ideas on my own.” Another student shared, “The conference taught me that learning doesn’t stop when you leave the classroom—it’s a lifelong journey.”
These events are designed to empower students to become independent thinkers, equipping them with the tools to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of knowledge and ideas.
“The speaker made me realise how important it is to ask the big questions and to never stop being curious.”
“It was amazing to see how philosophy connects to science and ethics. It made me rethink how I approach problems in everyday life.”
“I loved the variety of topics. The conference opened my mind to new ideas and made me excited to keep learning.”
“The discussions made me feel more confident in expressing my own thoughts and listening to others with different views.”
“This event was a game-changer for me. It taught me to take ownership of my learning and to challenge myself.”
“I walked away from the conference with a new passion for learning and exploring ideas on my own.”
9:00
9:15
9:30
The manipulation of matter at the Nanoscale is an unrivalled tool for modern scientific inquiry and promises to help solve many of the world’s problems, such as environmental degradation. Nanotechnology is set to revolutionise our lives. It is highly likely that it will replace current technologies within the next few decades: its impact will be hard to avoid as it promises radically different ways of operating in the near future. This session will examine new materials able to store electricity in an electric field (like a thunder cloud) instead of chemicals, and also the development of brain implants. As with all scientific inquiry there are ethical implications and these will also be examined, including the issues of who benefits, who takes the risks and the role of public opinion.
9:30
10:30
A Community of Inquiry into Cultural Relativism and Objective Moral Values
This is an interactive discussion session with a community of enquiry approach. Students will be given a short excerpt to stimulate conversation in small groups and then work as a team to reach a set of ideas. Students will discuss whether right and wrong are determined by culture and tradition, or if universal moral truths exist beyond time and place? In this thought-provoking session, gifted students will explore the timeless philosophical question:
Is morality relative, or are there objective values that apply to all people, everywhere? Can we judge other cultures by our own standards? Are human rights universal, or do they depend on custom? Is ‘right’ simply what a society agrees upon, or is there a deeper moral truth? This session builds critical thinking and respectful discussion and encourages independent thought and a nuanced understanding of ethical dilemmas, preparing students to tackle complex ideas with confidence. Perfect for gifted learners ready to ask the big questions: Does morality depend on custom — or is there a universal right and wrong?
12:00
12:45
Aristotle: The Thinker Who Shaped How We Live and Learn
Aristotle stands as one of the most influential thinkers in history, shaping ideas that still guide our world today. His contributions span ethics, politics, science, and philosophy, laying the groundwork for critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge.
In this interactive session, students will dive into key ideas from Aristotle’s works, such as “Nicomachean Ethics” and “Politics”, exploring timeless questions about:
Aristotle believed that virtue, moral character, and the pursuit of a meaningful life are at the heart of human flourishing. His emphasis on logic and empirical observation continues to shape the way we think about the world and our place in it.
Designed for curious, gifted minds, this session will go beyond simply learning about Aristotle — it will foster active dialogue and deep exploration, helping students connect his ideas to modern-day challenges and their own personal growth.
Essential for anyone who wants to understand how to live a thoughtful, meaningful life.
13:30
13:35-14:30
Join us for an exciting Intermediate Stretch Debate exploring one of the most thought-provoking ethical questions of our time:
Do animals have rights, or are humans justified in using them for food, research, and entertainment? Students will tackle complex ideas about ethics, personhood, and the moral status of animals. They’ll explore questions like:
Should animals be granted the same legal protections as humans? Is it ethical to eat meat or test medicines on animals? Should animals be kept in zoos or used for entertainment?
Get ready to debate, question, and challenge!
14:30
We are currently in the process of finalising the 2024-2025 round of Intermediate Gifted events. Schools across the country are considering hosting, and we will be confirming dates shortly.
Stay tuned for updates, as we look forward to offering these challenging and engaging events at a location near you. Students love working on big questions which prepare them for their academic journeys ahead.
If your school is interested in hosting one of our events, we’d love to hear from you!
Please get in touch for more information about how to become a host school.
Students
A fixed fee of £35 each
We have access to sponsorship for students wishing to attend but for whom the cost is a significant challenge for their families. Please contact us for further details.
Staff
A fixed fee of £35 each
One free place with every 12 students, the charge for which will be deducted at checkout.
Unaccompanied teachers attending for their own CPD to pay £220.
Please Note
These events fill quickly but we appreciate that many schools need time to collect money from students.
Bookings for a conference are usually made by a teacher or other representative from a school, and students attend conference with their school group accompanied by a supervising teacher. The school is invoiced for the number of students and staff attending (if schools require payment from students or parents for attendance, these payments are made to the school).
Please note that we cannot accept bookings for unaccompanied students, and all students attending are required to have a supervising teacher, or parent, with them. This is a workplace health and safety issue, as we do not have the necessary staff to provide supervision of students at the conference, or during meal breaks. [If a school is not attending, and a student from that school wishes to attend independently, they can do so, but they must be accompanied by a supervising adult who is charged at the same rate as the student, and who makes the booking on behalf of the student. A supervising adult can be a parent or other responsible person over 18. The school or parent must give permission for the student to be absent from school on that day]
Arrival and registration: 9:00
Welcome 9:15
First lecture 9:30
Booking Information for Schools:
We understand that school administrative processes can take time, so to avoid missing out, you are welcome to pencil in your numbers by contacting Tony at [email protected]. Our events fill quickly, so we recommend reserving your spots as early as possible.
Professional Development for Teachers:
Teachers who are unable to bring students but would like to attend for professional development are warmly invited to join the event. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable insights and access resources to enrich your teaching. To book your place, please complete the form below or contact Tony at [email protected].
Alternatively join us for a Teacher training day specially curated for those responsible for more able learners
The Symposium for Gifted Educators
Lancing College Monday, Tuesday 3rd June 2025
Join us for an inspiring day dedicated to educators of gifted students. This symposium will explore innovative strategies, share best practices, and provide valuable insights into supporting high-achieving learners.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and collaborate with fellow professionals in a stunning setting. Click to go to booking page.
37 Fore Street,
Sidmouth EX10 8AQ,
United Kingdom
73B Pullen Road,
Everton Park QLD 4053,
Australia
Trading Partner
Registration Y286412
