By Mrs Gethins (Head of Science)
As part of the IB Diploma, our Lower Sixth have been working collaboratively to complete their Group 4 Science project. The Group 4 project is a requirement of the IB Diploma and provides an opportunity for students to work together in interdisciplinary groups to analyse a common topic or problem.
The aims of this project include making connections between different disciplines, developing creativity and resilience when approaching unfamiliar situations and designing or modelling solutions to both local and global problems within a scientific context. It also encourages students to communicate and collaborate effectively, while fostering an awareness of the ethical, environmental, economic, cultural and social impact of science.
Throughout the 10-hour project, students develop key skills, including critical thinking, communication, social interaction and self-management. In terms of self-management, this extends to both organisational and affective skills and the students also strengthen their research abilities.
Our students were carefully grouped, ensuring each team has representation from different scientific disciplines, typically including a Biologist, a Chemist, a Physicist and a Computer Scientist. These teams are then assigned a theme, from which they select a related issue to base their project on. This year’s theme was Managing water in the environment and the projects focused on various aspects of this, such as the effect of urbanisation on flooding, the generation of electricity from collected flood water and the impact of fertilisers and untreated sewage on water quality. Each group devised interesting solutions to these challenges.
The project culminated with a market stall-style presentation and display in the Compass Room on Friday 11th October. The event was attended by Mrs Gibson (Headmistress), Mr Gardner (Senior Deputy Head), Mr Gracie (Deputy Head – Student Engagement and Welfare), and other staff members. Students from both the Senior and Junior Schools also visited, providing the IB students with the opportunity to present their work and to inspire the younger generation.
