A group of our enterprising Sixth Form students were honoured to be invited to present their research into global citizenship at the recent Cambridge Festival of Ideas (15-28 October 2018).

Inspired by the Cambridge-based charity, Aradin, whose work is concerned with the preservation of endangered linguistic and cultural heritage, the students carried out an in-depth action research project into the question of how young people view their own cultural identity, in particular British culture, and how this conflates with other cultural identities.

Working under the guidance of Mrs Barrett (English Teacher), the girls conducted extensive research with a cross section of young people, before presenting their findings entitled Young Britain: Culture and Identity, at the festival.

Upper Sixth student, Beth English explained: “The project allowed me to develop new ways of learning and researching. I never thought I would be able to carry out this level of study whilst I was still at school and it has been an invaluable experience that I am sure will come in extremely useful at university and beyond.” 

Dr Walters, Director of Sixth Form, added: “We aim for students to grasp all opportunities and use their time in Sixth Form to prepare effectively for the wider world, undertaking this type of independent academic research is a perfect example of how students can widen skills and gain insightful understanding in new areas of academic study.”

Junior Aradin Students: Beth English, Ellie Hind, Isobel Horsfall, Rosie Inman, Anika Sharma, Charlie Spencer and Judith Tarrant.