Nurturing Brilliance

Senior Stretch

Big Ideas for Bright Minds:
A conference for more able and ambitious students

Unleash Your Potential

2024
AU/NZ

About

Welcome to Senior Stretch 2024

Inviting all able and ambitious students age 14+ to unlock your full potential! Join us for our 2024 Oxford Senior Stretch Conference where you’ll embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, innovation, and intellectual growth.

About the Conference

The Gifted Student Conference is an annual gathering of exceptional young minds, designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and personal development. Join us in the pursuit of nurturing brilliance, fostering life-long learners, and creating a world where gifted students thrive not only academically but as well-rounded, empathetic, and socially responsible citizens. Together, we can unlock the full potential of gifted individuals and pave the way for a brighter future. This year’s theme, “Nurturing Brilliance: Unleash Your Potential,” will inspire students to explore their passions, embrace challenges, and connect with like-minded peers from around the region.

What to Expect

Keynote Speakers: Engage with renowned experts who will share their insights on unlocking your potential.

Peer Networking: Connect with gifted students from diverse backgrounds, exchange ideas, and forge lifelong friendships.

Discussions: Participate in thought-provoking discussions on contemporary issues and global challenges.

Critical thinking and Problem solving: Explore new ideas and develop strategies for real-world challenges.

This amazing day improved and consolidated our philosophical learning while breaking down more controversial topics to test our judgement and opinion- making. I particularly enjoyed the funny and slightly quirky anecdotes The sessions were engaging and very enjoyable to listen to.”

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Programme

Cogito Ergo Sum. Introducing Descartes

JULIE ARLISS
Discover the Foundations of Modern Philosophy: Descartes’ Cogito Ergo Sum
A thought-provoking session that invites you to delve into the profound ideas of René Descartes and his groundbreaking concept of the ogito. Beyond being a mere catchphrase, Descartes’ declaration “I think, therefore I am” represents a revolutionary idea that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of human hought. Understand how Descartes’ Cogito has implications for knowledge, consciousness and reality and continues to shape our thoughts. You will take a deep dive into Radical Doubt, challenging preconceived notions and encouraging a mind-expanding exploration of existential questions. This session is more than an academic endeavor; it’s an invitation to discover the roots of modern philosophical thought and understand how a single idea can shape the very fabric of our understanding.

THE OXBRIDGE INTERVIEW QUESTION

JULIE ARLISS
At both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, admission interview questions are meticulously crafted to provide candidates with an opportunity to showcase their genuine ability and potential. These questions aim to assess whether a candidate can think laterally and apply their reasoning to novel ideas and diverse contexts. It’s important to note that there is no predefined ‘correct’ answer, emphasizing the challenge of demonstrating one’s thinking prowess. This session aims to equip students with indispensable Oxbridge-standard thinking tools, introducing fundamental rules of logic and strategies for cultivating advanced lateral thinking skills. The objective is to empower individuals to navigate and excel in any nuanced landscape, regardless of whether they are contemplating a university application. Throughout the session, we will explore a variety of questions that encourage participants to apply these thinking tools effectively.

Who Are You, and Who Might You Become?

A journey of personal transformation with Jeffrey Hodges

It’s crucial to discern between what you’ve been told about your identity, the reality of your situation, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead – who might you become?

This session examines the influence of the self-image in our lives particularly in relation to personal performance, significant life changes, and outstanding achievement. You will be given practical ideas and techniques for establishing a powerful, positive self image essential for developing personal resilience in a rapidly changing world. Drawing on his experience in coaching Olympic and world champion athletes, Jeffrey goes beyond philosophy, offering practical methodologies derived from real-world experiences and a practical methodology for bringing the best ‘who you could be’ into reality.

Join us for a transformative journey with Jeffrey as he reveals practical steps to cultivate a positive self-image and chart a course from your present self to the empowered and exceptional person you’re meant to be.

Most of what you think and say are the opinions of other people
Jordan Peterson

People don’t have ideas, ideas have people
Carl Jung

What Dreams May Come?

JULIE ARLISS
Have you ever wondered whether there is anything more to life than this? It’s a question that has intrigued thinkers throughout history and sparked the curiosity of some of the greatest minds. Plato claimed that, ‘an unexamined life is not worth living,’ and with this as our guiding principle the session will chart the map of ideas surrounding this profound question. Students will be invited to reflect on their own beliefs and explore for themselves claims about reincarnation, rebirth, migration of the soul and resurrection. Together, we’ll navigate the scientific and philosophical challenges tied to reports of out-of-body experiences, near-death experiences, and the paranormal.

This session is not just about answering questions but empowering students with the tools to explore one of life’s greatest mysteries on their own terms. Join us as we outline the map of ideas related to life after death and encourage you to embark on your own intellectual journey.

For in that sleep of death what dreams may come, When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause.
Hamlet: Act III, scene 1, line 66.

Debate: Exploring the Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence in the Modern World

A Debate for More Able and Ambitious Students.
AI represents one of the most rapidly advancing fields of technology. New breakthroughs and applications continually emerge, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The prospect of revolutionary change and disruption generates excitement but, what are the risks? There is a wide ranging, ongoing discussion of the implications of artificial intelligence and, in this debate, we will examine the ethical, societal, economic and technical implications of AI technologies. For critical thinking, a global perspective, interdisciplinary learning, problem solving and future career opportunities this is a not to be missed debate.
This session is not just about answering questions but empowering students with the tools to explore one of life’s greatest mysteries on their own terms. Join us as we outline the map of ideas related to life after death and encourage you to embark on your own intellectual journey.

Speakers

Julie Arliss

Julie Arliss

Julie Arliss is an outstanding Gifted Educator, nurturing brilliance through a holistic approach. At the heart of Julie Arliss’ philosophy lies a deep commitment to unlocking the unique potential within every gifted student. She believes that gifted education is not just about cultivating academic excellence but also fostering holistic development, instilling a love for lifelong learning, and nurturing the well-being of each student. Thriving Minds provides talented students with the tools necessary to cultivate critical thinking, analyse complex problems, and innovate. This philosophy encourages students to question the status quo, explore new ideas, and develop solutions to real-world challenges. In placing great value on mentorship and guidance students benefit from the wisdom and expertise of educators who not only teach but also inspire and support them on their educational journey. Through steadfast commitment to this philosophy, numerous more able and ambitious students have not only achieved academic excellence but have also grown into compassionate, innovative and socially conscious individuals. Julie Arliss’ legacy extends far beyond the conference platform, influencing the lives of students who carry these values with them throughout their lives.

For almost three decades Julie has collaborated with some of the greatest living thinkers delivering outstanding programmes for more able students across the UK and Australasia.

Jeffrey Hodges

Jeffrey Hodges

jeffrey Hodges is an esteemed performance consultant and educator with a passion for nurturing the potential of academically gifted students. With a wealth of experience working alongside students, teachers, and corporate teams, Jeffrey is a thought leader in the realms of human performance and mental resilience. Jeffrey is the accomplished author of several highly regarded publications, including “Sportsmind” and “Champion Thoughts, Champion Feelings.” As the Director of the Sportsmind Institute for Human Performance Research, he dedicates himself to unlocking the secrets of peak performance and mental fortitude.

Beyond his many academic achievements, Jeffrey is an Australian black belt in Aikido, reflecting his dedication to the principles of discipline and focus. His expertise in Aikido adds a unique dimension to his approach, blending physical and mental strategies for holistic performance enhancement. Jeffrey’s Sportsmind techniques have been used by top sports clubs, leading athletes, and sports academies including the Australian PGA, Australian Rugby, Penrith Rugby League Club, and many school ‘sports excellence’ programs.

In the realm of academic enrichment for gifted students, Jeffrey Hodges stands as a beacon of inspiration and guidance. His multifaceted background, encompassing education, sports psychology, and martial arts, positions him as a dynamic speaker poised to empower and motivate the next generation of high achievers. Prepare to embark on a journey of self-discovery and excellence under his expert guidance.

Conference Dates

Brisbane

24 July 2024
09:30–14:30

Melbourne

2 August 2024
09:30–14:30

Sydney

6 August 2024
09:30–14:30

Adelaide

14 August 2024
09:30–14:30

Christchurch

20 August 2024
09:30–14:30

Registration

Early Bird Registration (until March 31st 2024): $45

Regular Registration $50

Registration includes access to all conference sessions & networking.

Register

Form Code Here

For bookings for smaller numbers please address requests to [email protected]

Join the Conversation

Connect with us on social media using #GiftedStudentConference2024 to stay updated and interact with fellow attendees before the conference

Don’t Miss Out!

The Gifted Student Conference 2024 promises to be an extraordinary ex- perience that will ignite your passion, inspire your intellect, and empower your future. Register today and prepare to unleash your full potential!