Academy Learning

Julie has arrived safely in NZ with an update:

'Bush Stone Curlew in the garden. Weirdly static as I approached - apparently they freeze when alarmed. Some considerable time later I saw the second bird in front of the log. Then amazingly, a chick appeared. Gorgeous and what a privilege.'

Outstanding PD here in Adelaide. The most beautiful venue

The Examined Life: Not what to think. But how to think.

Teachers accompanying students to Junior Stretch at Villanova College today were able to explore a full printed copy of The Examined Life—a year-long intellectual development programme that introduces young people to some of humanity’s greatest thinkers and the questions that matter most.

They were also able to see just how much of the work has already been done for teachers.

This is a complete, classroom-ready programme that enables teachers to lead intellectually ambitious lessons with confidence—without hours of preparation.
✓ 33 fully resourced, one-hour lessons
✓ comprehensive teaching notes and full teaching guidance
✓ answers and supporting notes throughout
✓ carefully structured questions, activities and discussion tasks
✓ selected videos, music, artworks and online resources
✓ fully prepared student resources, supplied with a licence to photocopy them for students
Teachers also took away a brochure to share with colleagues and senior leaders.

For licensing, pricing or enquiries about a fully branded School Edition, please contact Jake Warren in London:
📩 [email protected]

Super interesting from

Confident Pluralism in Australia My impressions from Melbourne about religion, pluralism, and protest

What a joy to be with fabulous teachers here in Perth. JA

When students are literally queuing up to join the debate…

Sydney Junior Stretch brought together bright, curious students from schools across the region for a day of big questions, lively argument and serious thinking.

One of our favourite moments? Seeing students lined up down the aisle, waiting for their chance to challenge an argument, offer another perspective or persuade the room.

This is what Junior Stretch is about: giving able young people the opportunity and the confidence to think for themselves and make their voices heard. Thank you to all the schools who joined us and especially to the teachers who brought their students and gave them the opportunity to be stretched.

These young people were terrific company and a wonderful reminder of just how much students can do when we give them something genuinely difficult to think about.

The Examined Life - an enrichment programme at your finger tips!

Julie is having a wonderful time in Australia and New Zealand and there is much excitement about this Examined Life Programme.

For schools that are interested do contact Jake for more information how to bring this into your school contexts: [email protected]

Huge thanks to Alex (on my left) who supported the debate motion brilliantly. Heartfelt thanks and praise to Ivanhoe Grammar School students for hosting this event and to their wonderful remarkable fabulous teacher Amy Horneman

Julie Arliss

Junior Thinkers Ivanhoe Grammar School Melbourne today. Simply outstanding students and great engagement throughout

Professor Daphne Hampson lecturing in Melbourne live from Oxford. Huge thanks to her for introducing the ethics and epistemology of Kierkegaard.