Gifted Tavistock College students delve into the philosophy of science

TAVISTOCK College’s able, gifted and talented students travelled to Yeovil for a day of lectures and debates at Richard Huish College.

The 15 Key Stage 4 science students joined with 400 of the south west’s top performers to listen to academic guests including King’s College lecturer Julie Arliss discuss ‘Justice, Truth, Beauty and Mathematics’.

Professor Tom Greggs, who has a weekly slot on BBC Radio 4 and holds political office at local, regional and national level, spoke to students on the topic ‘Does time really bend?’

Student Tnisha Vasco-Knight said: “The whole day was very interesting and beneficial and gave me an insight into various aspects of the world which I hadn’t thought about, like the philosophical depth of topics such as time, justice and music.”

Jamie Brown and Frances Spry also believed the event provided a brilliant experience and said they would recommend it.   

Teacher Heather Richardson said: “The day culminated in a debate on ‘This house believes that science has replaced God,’ which was soundly defeated.

“The students thoroughly enjoyed the topics covered and the challenge of thinking about philosophy, maths, science, culture and religion.

“Staff were impressed with the behaviour and comments of the students on the day as well as the maturity they showed in coping with the demands of the event.”

Student Guy Williams said he liked the way the information was presented and thought the lecturers were great.

“The final debate was also very good and I found listening to other people’s viewpoints valuable,” he added.

Jasmine Snowden and Hannah Cotter thanked the college for taking students on the trip and said they were impressed that the lecturers spoke to them on their level instead of talking down to them.