St John's College Inspire Critical Thinking

Inspire Critical Thinking is a free online course developed in collaboration with Oxford for South East and delivered through St John’s College’s Inspire Hub. It is open to pupils at non-selective UK state schools in Years 9-12 and is designed to encourage students to think deeply, question ideas and explore a central theme from different subject viewpoints.

Each virtual class includes articles, interviews, recorded lectures and challenges created by University of Oxford academics and students.

The programme is organised by year group, with different themes for each stage: Year 9 looks at why language is so powerful, Year 10 asks whether crime always deserves punishment, Year 11 explores what the future might hold, and Year 12 considers whether sport can ever be fair. The course is split into four interactive booklets and gives pupils the chance to explore new topics, build confidence in critical thinking and share their views in forum discussions and debates.

Participants can also submit responses to workshop competitions for the chance to win prizes. After the workshops, all registered pupils are invited to take part in a summer challenge week. Year 11 pupils have an additional opportunity to apply for a free residential summer school at St John’s College.