This term, our Year 6 pupils are embarking on an exciting academic journey as they undertake individual research projects as part of their Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) programme. Rooted in their passions and interests, these projects offer far more than just answers to curious questions—they’re a rich opportunity for pupils to develop the core skills that sit at the heart of the PSB framework. From independent thinking and critical analysis to time management and confident communication, each step of the process is designed to stretch and support our young learners as they grow into thoughtful, capable individuals.
These projects are based on each pupil’s personal passions and interests, and provide a brilliant opportunity to develop the key PSB skills:
🧠 Thinking for yourself – Learning to ask meaningful questions and make thoughtful decisions.
🔍 Researching carefully – Finding reliable and useful information from a range of sources.
✍️ Organising your ideas – Structuring thoughts clearly and presenting them effectively.
🗣️ Communicating clearly – Sharing findings in a way others can easily understand.
⏳ Managing your time well – Planning ahead and meeting deadlines independently.
📈 Reflecting on your learning – Evaluating what went well and how to improve next time.
💪 Being independent – Taking responsibility for your own learning and solving problems.
🌍 Making connections – Linking ideas to real life, other subjects, or the wider world.
🤔 Thinking critically – Going beyond facts to question, analyse, and interpret meaning.
The children have made a fantastic start and chosen some excellent research questions, including:
❓ What are the effects of plastic pollution on sea animals?
❓ What is the best cricket team in the world, and why?
❓ Why are animals kept in captivity?
❓ Are battery-powered cars good for the environment?
❓ How are different reserves in South Africa trying to prevent rhino poaching, and is it working?
We’re really looking forward to seeing their final presentations later in the summer term. They promise to be an inspiring showcase of their curiosity, effort, and learning.
