A NEW initiative has been launched at a popular school.

Pupils in year five and six at Hampshire Collegiate School (HCS) have been joined by Stroud and Walhampton pupils for HCS’s inaugural Prep School Philosophy, Politics and Economic Conference.

Philosopher Simon Blackwell, from the University of Cambridge and professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and at the New College of Humanities, was guest speaker.

Children had the opportunity to ask Professor Blackwell many questions and were challenged to think beyond the regular school curriculum.

A series of activities and workshops was also run throughout the day and children played a trading simulation game.

They also had the chance to discuss about politics and find out what the terms left and right wing mean.

Cliff Canning, headmaster at HCS, said: “Events such as this are fundamental to the learning adventures of our children. They enable pupils to expand their intellectual curiosity beyond the curriculum, develop an enquiring mind and acquire the skills to research, reason and problem solve while working collaboratively with their peers. We are delighted to be able to share this event at Hampshire Collegiate School with children from our neighbouring schools.”

The school said the event will be run every year.