Independent Project

Norwich School’s extended project programme for Sixth Form

Independent Project is a vital part of Sixth Form at Norwich School.  All Lower Sixth 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 Project offers pupils the opportunity to delve deeply into interests beyond the classroom, and to build mature self-motivation and time-management skills valuable in higher education and employment.

As they develop their Independent Project ideas, pupils are encouraged to think broadly across the whole spectrum of human knowledge and creativity—whether in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, visual arts or performing arts—and not to be constrained by the narrower range of subjects available at A-Level.  They are also encouraged to use Independent Project as a way to explore important questions that come up at Sixth Form:

• What academic subjects or creative practices interest me the most?
• How can I stretch myself academically or creatively?
• What are the skills I need for advanced-level academic or creative work?
• Should I aim for university, art school, conservatoire, apprenticeship or employment when I leave school?
• What else can I do at school to make myself attractive to higher education institutions, or to employers?

Independent Project is a pass-or-fail exercise, in which staff supervisors act as expert guides and mentors, but pupils themselves take ownership of and responsibility for their work.  A motivated and diligent pupil can produce a paper or project that will enliven an interview for a university place, or make a reference letter stand out.  Indeed, some past papers and projects have been of extremely high quality, including for instance new research on a diabetes-management device presented to a team of doctors at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and a highly original ‘immersive-theatre’ production of Henrik Ibsen’s challenging play, A Doll’s House.

Pupils may choose to complete Independent Project at one of four levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum—each with increasingly demanding requirements.  In this way, pupils can tailor Independent Study not only to their personal interests and ambitions, but also to their A-Level study and other commitments.  Pupils who opt for Platinum have the chance to present their work at our Platinum Evening, an annual celebration of academic and creative achievement to which parents are invited.

For further information about this exciting opportunity for Sixth Form pupils, please contact the Head of Independent Project, Alex Grant, at agrant@norwich-school.org.uk.

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