Enrichment

The Individual Project Qualification (IPQ) is an independent research project that allows pupils to explore a topic of personal interest in depth, developing
critical skills valued by universities and employers.

Running from October to May, the programme provides pupils with dedicated support through both a Sixth Form mentor and a staff mentor who guide them throughout their project journey. Through the IPQ, pupils learn to identify and refine a research question, conduct extensive research using a variety of sources, and present their findings in a structured format whether as an essay, report or artefact with accompanying documentation.

The qualification helps pupils develop essential skills including independent learning, critical thinking, project management, time management and academic writing. Pupils also gain experience in evaluating sources,
constructing evidence-based arguments, and presenting complex ideas clearly and coherently.

Upon completion, pupils receive a grade of Distinction, Merit, or Pass from assessors at the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB).

The IPQ is particularly valued in university applications as it demonstrates intellectual curiosity, self-motivation and the ability to work independently skills that are fundamental to success in higher education and beyond.

Past Distinction graded research topics and projects include:

• How addictive has social media become, how has it changed the lives of children in the UK and is the Government taking action?

• To what extent do plant responses to their environment indicate plant specific sentience or consciousness?

• How does the immortal Turritopsis dohrnii jellyfish actually work and what implications could this have for future human biology research?

• How could extraterrestrial life help with the process of humans beginning to live in space?

A Minerva Lecture usually refers to an enrichment talk, named after Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom
and learning.

The Minerva Lectures Series at Bromley
High School provides pupils with a unique window into high-level careers and specialised academic fields.

It is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world by hosting a diverse array of guest speakers. Minerva Lectures empower pupils to explore new fields, connect with inspiring professionals and build the foundations for their future careers and university journeys.

It’s an enrichment for all series where EVERYONE is welcome!

Past topics and speakers include:

• Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, CEO at Stemettes – STEM

• Irene Yeung & Riddhi Parakh – Designing the Future: A Masterclass in Architecture

• Michael Chaplin, Financial Markets Trader, King Street Capital Management – Financial Markets

• Dr Aneka Patel, GP & Skincare Founder Dr AKP cosmetics

• RI Masterclasses with Bromley schools
  RI Masterclasses are extracurricular workshops in Mathematics or Computer Science, devised and presented by groups of Year 12 pupils. These masterclasses nurture younger pupils’ curiosity and inspire them to continue their engagement with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in the future.
• Conferences
  A number of conferences are hosted throughout the year to which local schools are invited to participate. These include subjects such as Psychology, Business/Economics, and Physical Education, as well as a Model United Nations (MUN) conference and an event with Aerospace.
• Classics Department Projects
  Over the past year, the Classics department has undertaken several engaging projects. The Head of Classics has been offering Latin evening classes every Monday for parents and adults, covering increasingly challenging language passages and various aspects of Roman culture. Additionally, Head of Classics has taught part of the GCSE Latin course online to support students at Townley Grammar School with staffing needs. During the summer term, Year 12 Classics students engage local Year 5 pupils with lessons on Greek myths and organize creative activities for them.