Menu

News

Candle conference

Back
November 26th 2025

Our Year 12 and 13 Philosophy students recently attended the annual Peter Vardy Candle Conference, this year exploring the theme “Jerusalem and Athens”. The conference was led by renowned philosopher and educator Dr Peter Vardy.

Throughout the day, students examined the historic relationship between faith and reason, considering how the traditions of Jerusalem (representing religion, revelation, and spirituality) and Athens (representing logic, philosophy, and critical thought) have shaped Western ideas. Dr Vardy guided the audience through key philosophical arguments, ethical questions, and debates at the heart of A-Level Philosophy and Religious Studies.

Our students engaged enthusiastically with the material, taking part in interactive tasks, reflecting on complex concepts, and gaining valuable insights to deepen their understanding of their course content. The conference not only broadened their academic horizons but also encouraged them to think critically about the role of philosophy in the modern world.

It was an inspiring and enriching experience for all involved, and we look forward to future opportunities to challenge and extend our students beyond the classroom.

Image