Tallis 16+
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Professor Ben Colburn "stretched to think critically"

Ben was an extraordinary Post 16 student. He is now an influential university lecturer whose interests include political philosophy and ethics, with a particular interest in the nature and value of autonomy. He is currently writing on various topics in this area, including the nature of responsibility and its role in distributive justice; the moral foundations of the free market; and the conditions of independence and authenticity. When possible, he also thinks about the philosophy of mathematics, and about the political theory of education. Here he reflects on the culture of learning at Tallis and what makes the school and its Post 16 Centre so special:

Since leaving, I’ve reflected a lot on what makes Thomas Tallis a great school. I’ve come to think that it’s not just the high quality of the teaching itself, though that’s important. Rather, it seems to me that the virtue in respect of which Tallis is distinctive is its culture: a general celebration of individuality, which amongst other things nurtures a certain sort of maverick streak in its staff. Most of my teachers (especially in the sixth form) were passionate, knowledgeable and brilliant. In addition, many of them were also prepared to take a critical stance towards educational orthodoxy, or indeed to ignore it entirely, if their professional judgement pointed them in that direction. This meant doing some fascinating and rewarding things which I would otherwise have missed out on: at the time, I didn’t realise how unusual it was to spend entire physics lessons talking about falsificationism in the methodology of science, or arguing about free speech and Holocaust-denial in history, or spending two hours every week luxuriously inching our way through Hamlet discussing every word along the way. 

It also meant constantly being stretched to think critically, not just about the subject matter at hand, but also about the process of learning and thinking itself. Creating space for that sort of thing is hard, given the internal and external pressures that schools face. But it’s also tremendously valuable: one of the main things that distinguishes true education from the mere delivery of a generic curriculum. 
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A school therefore deserves high praise for being a place where creative idiosyncrasies are celebrated, supported and encouraged; few are so courageous as to give teachers such autonomy. I owe enormous gratitude to Tallis for being such a place – long may the tradition continue.

TALLIS 16+

Kidbrooke Park Road
London SE3 9PX

T +44 (0)208 856 0115   
F: (0)208 331 3004
​E: post16admin@thomastallis.org.uk

​
  • Home
  • About
    • Prospectus
    • A Virtual Tour
    • Why Tallis Post 16?
    • Applying to Tallis
    • Exam Results 2022 >
      • Exam Results 2021
      • Exam Results 2020
      • Exam Results 2019
      • Exam Results 2018
      • Exam Results 2017
      • Exam Results 2016
      • Exam Results 2015
      • Exam Results 2014
      • Exam Results 2013
      • Exam Results 2012
    • How to find us
  • Curriculum
    • Business & ICT
    • Computer Science
    • Design Technology
    • English & Philosophy
    • Extended Project Qualification
    • Humanities & Social Sciences
    • Mathematics
    • Languages
    • Performing Arts
    • Physical Education
    • Science
    • Visual & Media Arts
  • Parents
    • Pastoral Care
    • Letters Home 2022-23
  • Policies
    • Learning Agreement
    • Admissions
    • Attendance
    • Reporting an absence
    • Post-16 Dress Code
    • Behaviour and Support
    • Plagiarism
    • Bursary Scheme
    • BTEC Guidelines
  • Students
    • JCQ Information for Candidates
    • Black Lives Matter
    • Top Tips posters
    • The Personal Enrichment List
    • Reading & Research lists
    • Extracurricular opportunities
    • Student Voice
    • Fanzine
    • Facilities
    • School Journeys
  • Progression
    • Progression Event Resources 2022
    • Progression Booklet 2022
    • UCAS
    • University Outreach, Events and Open Days
    • Oxbridge & the Russell Group
    • Visual, Media & Performing Arts Progression
    • Student Finance
    • World of Work
    • Careers & Training
    • Destinations
    • Alumni
  • Links
  • Contact