On Monday 18 October, the school hosted the annual Independent Learning Assignment (ILA)/Original Research in STEM (ORIS) Presentation Evening, one of the standout events in our Scholarship for All programme. The evening saw a packed auditorium filled with students, parents, staff, visiting students and friends of the school, all eager to witness the remarkable research projects undertaken by members of the Sixth Form.
The event featured nine exceptional presentations from students who had been shortlisted for their outstanding ILA or ORIS research projects. The calibre of the work presented was impressive, with each student showcasing a deep understanding of their respective subjects. However, it was the confidence and poise with which the students delivered their presentations that truly stood out. They were able to explain complex concepts in an engaging and accessible manner, ensuring that everyone in the audience left feeling they had gained new insights.
The judging panel for the evening consisted of returning staff including Sam Herman-Wilson, a civil servant in the Private Office of the Permanent Secretary, advising on Further and Higher Education; David Holliday, Head of History, Politics and Curricular Engagement at Sir William Perkins’s School; and Sam Maiden, our recently-appointed Chief Strategy Officer. Their task of selecting the winners was no easy feat, given the high standard of presentations.
After careful deliberation, the panel awarded Joel Sellers the winner of the ORIS category for his meticulous and clearly explained presentation on creating a plastic polymer library using Raman spectroscopy. In the ILA STEM category, Thomas Dowson was recognised as the winner for his impressive ability to unravel the complexities of knot theory in a way that was accessible to all. Ruvin Meda was awarded the ILA Arts/Humanities category for his enchanting film music composition, with George Christiansen receiving a Highly Commended recognition for his thoughtful and insightful discussion on the failure of democracy in post-Soviet Russia.
The evening was a true celebration of academic achievement, showcasing the outstanding research and presentation skills of our Sixth Form students.
