Senior Independent Research Project Final 2025
On Thursday 6 November, the Wilberforce Hall was filled with curiosity, intellect, and lively debate as Caterham’s Senior Independent Research Project (IRP) finalists took to the stage to present the results of months of rigorous independent study. Expertly compered by Mr Law, who guided the discussion with warmth, insight, and good humour, each finalist delivered a seven-minute presentation followed by seven minutes of questioning from the judges and audience, a true test of their ability to think on their feet and defend their ideas with clarity and confidence. Keeping proceedings running with characteristic precision was Mr Salem, Master of Time, whose trusty gavel provided a clear (and occasionally dramatic) signal that a speaker had one minute remaining.
The IRP programme challenges Sixth Form students to pursue original research into a topic of their choice, mirroring the independence, depth, and academic standards expected at university level. This year’s finalists demonstrated remarkable scholarly ambition across an extraordinary range of disciplines:
- Mathilde – How far can Quantum Mechanics explain consciousness?
- Leo – To what extent does the concept of legal universality reflect Orientalist ideology?
- Kate – To what extent was the Gothic cathedral primarily a statement of religious devotion or a display of political ambition?
- Posh – Are Solar Sails a viable alternative to chemical and electric propulsion for interplanetary missions, or are the physics and engineering challenges too great?
- Millie – Which is more important to patriarchy’s power: language or ontology?
- Hayley – Should ageing be treated, or left as a natural process?
- Narayan – How did patriotism in public schools change during and after the First World War? The experience of a single British school, 1913–1925.
Our expert panel of judges brought both academic depth and personality to the evening. Richard Evans, Chair of the Moncrieff-Jones (Science) Society and co-lead of Radcliffe Punt, represented the scientific contingent, with a little help, of course, from Dorothea the Otter. Dr Jonathan Dixon, Head of UK Universities at Tonbridge School and a specialist in Early Modern History, offered sharp insight into historical research and academic rigour and Dr Laura White, an education researcher focused on professional learning and technology, brought a contemporary lens to the importance of digital scholarship and critical future skills. Their combined expertise ensured a stimulating question round for each finalist.
After much deliberation (and perhaps a quiet word from Dorothea), the judges announced the winners:
The Young Prize (£300) for the most outstanding Independent Research Project was awarded to Millie B for her powerful exploration of the philosophical foundations of patriarchy.
The Alden Davies Prize (£150) went to Narayan M, whose research into patriotism in public schools between 1913 and 1925 provided a fascinating historical case study.
The Frederic H. Gay Prize (£150) was awarded to Mathilde G for her thoughtful and ambitious investigation into the intersection of quantum mechanics and consciousness.
The Audience Prize (£100) was awarded to Hayley L, whose engaging presentation on whether ageing should be treated or left as a natural process clearly struck a chord with the audience. £75 was also awarded to all of the evening’s exceptional finalists.
While the judges deliberated, the audience was treated to a Highly Commended video submission from Aashi P, whose research on how soldiers’ mental health experiences have evolved from past wars to the present day, was a moving and timely reflection ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
Other Highly Commended projects included work by Lyla B, Lara Ca, Vivienne C, Krish B, Harry F-B, Oliver G, Anastasia M, Isabelle H, Soomin O, and Jonathan W, each demonstrating the breadth of talent and curiosity that defines this programme.
The success of the Senior Independent Research Project programme owes much to the dedication and guidance of Dr Marc Scott and Mrs Becky Hunter, our Senior Enrichment Tutors. Their vision and support have been instrumental in fostering a culture of scholarly endeavour, intellectual curiosity, and academic independence at Caterham. Their work behind the scenes, encouraging, challenging, and mentoring pupils, continues to shape a generation of Caterhamians who think deeply and learn fearlessly.
