Local pupils attend MCS Partnerships Theology Conference

Around 200 pupils from eight schools, including five of our local partnership schools, gathered yesterday afternoon for a thought-provoking Partnerships Theology Conference. The event brought together some of the brightest young minds in Oxfordshire to engage with three distinguished speakers, each tackling some of life’s biggest questions.

The conference opened with a warm welcome from Mr Blackburn, Head of Theology, who set the tone for the afternoon and introduced the guest speakers.

First to take the stage was Professor Alister McGrath, Emeritus Professor of Science and Religion at the University of Oxford. His talk, “The Rationality of Faith: Reflections from Philosophy and the Natural Sciences,” explored how belief and reason can go hand in hand – a theme that sparked lively discussion among pupils.

Next was Dr Stephen Law, lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Oxford and author of The Philosophy Files. His engaging talk, “Science, Scientism, Philosophy and the Supernatural,” encouraged pupils to think critically about the boundaries of scientific explanation and philosophical thought.

After a short break, the conference concluded with Dr Emily Qureshi-Hurst, philosopher and Teaching and Research Associate at the University of Cambridge. Her talk, “Is God Dead? Exploring Good and Bad Arguments for Atheism,” inspired some of the most spirited questions of the afternoon.

The Q&A sessions throughout the day were a particular highlight, with speakers commenting on the impressive quality of the pupils’ questions – many of which came from our own Sixth Form Theologians and Philosophers.

All in all, the event proved to be a wonderful celebration of the vibrant study of Theology, Philosophy, and Religious Studies in Oxford and beyond – showing just how enthusiastically young people continue to engage with the ‘big questions’ of life, reason, and belief.