On Monday, six Year 9 and 10 students attended a study day at St Andrew’s College. The purpose of the day was to inspire, to challenge, and to provide vital space for thinking.

The first session posed some big questions such as: Does moral value exist? Are some decisions better than others? The students were given an opportunity to investigate the very foundations of our thoughts and take time to reflect on how decisions about anything are made.

The second session used a classic text from John Stuart Mill and invited students to join a conversation with small groups from other schools to discuss 'Is the meaning of life to be happy?' using a Community of Inquiry approach. The students started to think philosophically about how to be happy and defined the meaning of 'happiness'.

After lunch the girls were challenged with a session on genetics, epigenetics and transhumanism. The manipulation of matter at the genetic level is increasingly a part of the world in which we live and the ethical implications were examined, including the risk of future genetic apartheid.

The final session was a debate on whether animals that cause significant damage may be culled. Two of our girls presented their views in front of over 200 people. It was a fantastic way to end the day.