EDUCATION EDITION
understandable reluctance to fail. At Stoke College, that’s being addressed head on. “I rewrote our vision plan and one of the key points I want students to understand is that it’s OK to fail, because you learn from failure. That’s when the best learning happens. You don’t learn from success.” Helping students move beyond recalling knowledge and learn how to apply it really matters. Stephen Perse Cambridge runs an Introduction to Knowledge course in which sixth formers can explore some profound concepts. “We ask them to think about what we mean by truth and proof, how we look at evidence in science compared to history and whether we know things intuitively through memory or language,” says Jacqueline Paris. “It helps students move from being GCSE students to being ready for the world beyond and going to university.” Schools also encourage students to engage in original research by picking a topic that might be relevant to their planned degree course or a subject that they aren’t taking for an A-level but still love. Some schools offer this as an EPQ (extended project qualification) while
others offer their own team-based versions. Whatever the format, the goals of these projects – getting outside students’ comfort zones, encouraging originality and introducing them to a more advanced way of working – does wonders for their sense of independence. It also boosts their confidence and helps them stand out. “It’s a vital part of students’ education now,” reveals Jonathan. While some students produce a long essay, others create artefacts such as computer programmes. Whatever the end product, it will be unique and research- driven. “They have to learn the academic writing skills to present their project and will take those forward into university,” Jacqueline asserts. Abbey College brings together students with shared interests in topics like engineering or architecture in order to undertake a research project as a team. This involves the skills of communication and collaboration. “We want them to discuss things, challenge their own COLLABORATING WITH OTHERS Small class sizes at Stephen Perse Cambridge (above) can be more engaging, while Abbey College (left) facilitates research projects in teams
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