Senior School news

Independent Study Platinum Evening

26 September 2019

The first-ever Independent Study Platinum Evening took place on Wednesday 25th September in the Blake Studio at Norwich School. 

The Independent Study programme is a vital part of the Norwich School Sixth Form curriculum. All Sixth Form pupils are required to undertake an extended academic paper or creative project in a topic or medium of their choice, under the guidance of a staff supervisor. Independent Study offers pupils the exciting opportunity to delve deeply into interests beyond the classroom and to develop mature self-motivation and time-management skills valuable in higher education and employment. 

The Platinum level of Independent Study is the highest level of paper or project that a pupil can undertake at Norwich School. Platinum academic papers must exceed 7,500 words, involve research from at least 15 published sources, and include an annotated bibliography. Platinum creative projects must represent substantial artistic work, involve a public exhibition or performance, and include a 1,500-word artistic statement.

Dr AN Speca, Head of Independent Study, said: 

“Listening to the pupil presentations this evening I was struck by how much they sounded like professional researchers presenting their work at an academic conference. This evening has proved that pupils have developed strong communication skills that will stand them in good stead in life beyond Norwich School.” 

Eleven pupils took part in the evening; Akshita Brahma (Drama and Film)Piers Dobson (Biology), Krisztian Erdodi (Physics), Joshua Gray (Psychology), Ranya Kumar (Medicine), Katja Ruda (Physics), Heather Tasker (Art History), Angus Toms (Economics), Billy White (Philosophy), Esther Wiggins (Politics), Emily Wildish (Drama).

Click here to see the full programme from the evening.