In a world where AI is increasingly recognised by many as an unstoppable interloper to human originality and creativity, Newington College is growing its global reputation as a lighthouse school of critical thinking.

Were you to get along to the 17th iteration of the Sydney Philosothon at Newington’s Critical Thinking and Ethics Centre today, where students explore and mull over philosophical dilemmas with their peers, you’d be struck by several things, says Centre Director, Dr Britta Jensen.

‘You’d probably note the 70 Year 8 to 10 students from independent and public schools across Sydney in rigorous philosophical dialogue about significant and contestable topics such as happiness, progress, and nature.

‘You also wouldn’t miss the tangible thirst these young people have to express and exchange ideas. They understand how vital it is for their futures to articulate and hone their cognitive skills to assess, justify, and evaluate any hypothesis or situation. Critical thinking teaches students the mechanics of using these skills.’

Recognised recently by British philosopher, Professor A.C. Grayling, as a leader in the field, Newington College started on this explicit strategic path more than 15 years ago, says Dr Jensen. It is the fourth time the College has hosted the Sydney Philosothon.

‘Critical thinking is marbled through our programming from Kindergarten to Year 12. It is true to say at Newington we live and breathe critical and creative thinking.

‘We endeavour to equip our students with the skills and values they need to navigate this fast-moving world. They need to be adaptative global citizens who can think for themselves with originality, creativity, agency and importantly, with care.’

Dr Jensen says it has always been Newington’s vision to share its expertise.

‘The importance of teaching young people today to think critically, ethically and creatively cannot be overstated.’

Dr Jensen has launched several other inter-school events which will run throughout this term for students from Years 5–10 including a new junior event for Year 5 and 6. Junior events will take place at the College’s dedicated critical thinking and philosophy space at the newly opened ‘Horaceville’ at Wyvern House Prep.

Newington’s Centre for Critical Thinking and Ethics is also well-established in the provision of professional learning (PL) for teacher development. Internally it offers extensive staff professional learning opportunities and externally, the Centre has partnered with the Association for Philosophy in Schools NSW to offer Professional Learning to teachers across NSW, and interstate, programming out of its new home on the Senior campus.

It also offers a free public lectures series, exploring a wide range of issues from a variety of perspectives, continuing in the tradition of public discourse around ethical issues for which Newington is proud. Speakers are acclaimed Australian and internationals thinkers.

Dr Jensen, who was previously an academic in Linguistics at Cambridge and Macquarie Universities, has been President of the Philosophy in Schools Association of NSW since 2018. Under her leadership, Newington’s Critical Thinking and Ethics Centre has established national and global partnerships including with the Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organisation (PLATO) in the US, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Continuing its important work of sharing critical thinking expertise and resources, tomorrow, Dr Jensen and the team host a nationwide Critical Thinking Colloquium at the Centre. Leaders from schools across Australia who have learnt from Newington College in the last 18 months will return to enrich their critical thinking and ethics knowledge of programming and framework, and to and benefit from Newington teaching materials and student booklets.

‘Part of our overreaching strategy is to freely share with other educators in order to scale up the impact these resources can have across Australia,’ says Dr Jensen.

‘Assisting other schools to engage students in critical thinking to improve critical thinking both in and outside Newington’s gates is crucial for the good of our young people, who will after all, become the leaders of tomorrow.’

Did you know?

• At the next free community lecture on 2 September, Dr Simon Longstaff AO will explore how people fail to see ethical consequences in the moment and how ethics sharpens our judgement to make better decisions. Book your tickets here.
• Newington College’s Centre for Critical Thinking and Ethics (The Centre) was started in 2022 to empower our students to develop Great Hearts, Inspired Minds and Strong Wings.
• In May 2026, The Centre officially opened its new home in the old Headmaster’s residence, ‘The Parsonage’ at our Senior campus.
• Younger Newington students enjoy their own dedicated critical thinking and philosophy space at the newly opened ‘Horaceville’ at Wyvern House Prep.
• The Centre has partnered with the Association for Philosophy in Schools NSW to offer professional learning courses to teachers across all of NSW.
• Our Critical Thinking resources have been used for teaching and learning in Thailand – read more here.

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For details of the next professional learning workshops for teachers please click here.

For details of future inter-school student event, please click here.

Some bursaries are available to enable students from all backgrounds to participate in school events. To inquire please email bjensen@newington.nsw.edu.au.

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