Oxford High School GDST’s Extended Research Project (ERP) Evening was a powerful showcase of curiosity, ambition and intellectual independence. The event brought together students, staff and families to celebrate the breadth and depth of our Sixth Formers’ research.
Guests explored a rich poster exhibition featuring an impressive range of projects. Students tackled complex questions spanning history, politics, languages, science, medicine and technology. Topics included comparisons between classical literature and archaeological evidence in pre-Roman Britain (Nina A), the influence of Augustus’ propaganda on Mussolini (Katherine A), political repression in Russia from Ivan the Terrible to the present day (Masha U), and the legal status of women in ancient Athens and Rome (Isabella U).
Scientific and technical research was equally ambitious, with projects investigating bacteriophage-based biosensors to combat antibiotic resistance (Kimia P), pseudo-random prime number generation for RSA encryption (Alyssa D), the feasibility of generating electricity through sound energy (Amy W), and the potential of personalised mRNA cancer vaccines (Natalie W). Linguistic, cultural and social enquiries ranged from the Académie Française and Verlan (Lexi C) to the strategies used by dictators to gain and maintain power (Hettie C).
The evening continued with a series of talks. Matilda K presented her research on Sic Transit Gloria Mundi, exploring how ruins shaped early medieval ideas of legacy and cultural inheritance. Christina J examined how advances in radiopharmaceuticals could transform cancer diagnosis and treatment, while Nora M delivered a powerful and thoughtful talk on the extent and impact of men’s violence against women. The programme concluded with a presentation from the Year 10 Student Ambassadors for Teaching and Learning, who shared findings from their student-led research into how the presentation and delivery of information affects learning.
We are incredibly proud of all our ERP students. Completing an Extended Research Project demands perseverance, intellectual courage and genuine curiosity, and the confidence and clarity with which students presented their work was a testament to their commitment. The ERP Evening remains a key milestone in the Sixth Form academic journey, and once again, our students rose to the challenge with insight, confidence and ambition.
