Year 8 pupils at Sherborne Prep have presented a wide range of independent research projects as part of the school’s Sherborne Project Qualification (SPQ), an initiative designed to develop academic curiosity and research skills ahead of senior school.
The annual SPQ exhibition took place on 5th June, with pupils displaying their work to parents, staff, governors and representatives from senior schools. Each pupil selects a topic of personal interest and undertakes an extended research project over several weeks, supported by a mentor but largely working independently.
This year’s subjects ranged from gene editing and the ethical questions surrounding it to ADHD diagnosis in girls and the science behind so-called ‘earworms’ – the phenomenon of songs becoming stuck in the mind.
The exhibition marked the culmination of months of work and gave pupils the opportunity to explain their findings and answer questions about their chosen subjects.
Head of Sherborne Prep Annie Gent said: ‘The SPQ and resulting exhibition is one of the most demanding things we ask of our Year 8s and is an important milestone in their final year experience. It helps them develop key learning skills such as communication, collaboration, independence and critical thinking. It is also one of the most rewarding initiatives we have ever pioneered for our senior Sherborne Prep pupils.’
Senior Deputy Head Briony Harris highlighted the broader impact of the programme on pupils’ confidence and personal development.
‘What strikes me, every year, is not just the quality of the pupils’ work, though that is often extraordinary, but the transformation in the pupils themselves. The child who started the project uncertain of their topic, tentative about their ability, is rarely the same child who presents it three months later.’
Among those exhibiting was Jack M, who researched The history and hydrodynamics of wing foiling. He said he was particularly proud of the depth of research involved and the creative element he developed to present his findings.
Most of the Year 8 cohort will move on to Sherborne Boys and Sherborne Girls in September.
Simon Heard, Head of Sherborne Boys, said: ‘I was genuinely impressed by the standard of today’s presentations and research projects – these relatively young pupils were able to hold a room and take genuine ownership of their learning. It is fantastic to see Sherborne Prep leading the way in how best to stretch and support Year 8 pupils, helping them develop authentic intellectual curiosity, along with valuable research and public presentation skills.’
