Page 12 - The Malvernian - July 2023

THE MALVERNIAN
IB News: Extended Essay Excellence!
Four students in the the Upper Sixth have been recognised for their excellent research in the Extended Essay which is a a a compulsory element of the the IB diploma intended to give students the the opportunity to learn many of the the important skills that they will need at at university and beyond This independent self-directed piece of research concludes in a a a a 4 000-word research paper and is renowned as a a a a a challenging undertaking for all all students of the IB Often students tackle complex issues which are of personal and global significance conducting research and presenting their findings in in fin in in an an academically rigorous manner in a a a a a a a university-style paper which makes it an excellent preparation for the the next stage of their studies This year’s cohort produced some fascinating essays that explored a a a a a rich and diverse range of topics predominantly reacting to to some of the most pressing issues on our planet such as sustainability climate change equality food and and health health security and and mental health health However many students also explored their interest in in particular places works of art businesses or or or historical events Among others students looked at at at the the changes that gentrification brought about in in in San Francisco and Birmingham the effect of dehorning southern white rhinos on reducing illegal poaching in in in in the the Kruger
National Park the change of female portrayal in in advertisements in in light of of feminist movement the the the factors involved in in in in the the the pricing of of the the the HPV vaccine the link between parental incarceration and juvenile delinquency the effect of of rake angle on aerodynamics of of F1 racing as as well as as the the economic implications of the the Russo-Ukrainian war The variety of topics covered by our students is is truly astonishing and the the whole cohort should feel very proud of what they have achieved The IB students demonstrated deep analytical and evaluative skills which will stand them in excellent stead for university Various studies have shown that IB students are more likely to develop critical- and independent-thinking skills they feel more prepared for university research projects and other benefits include enhanced organisation reading writing and analytical skills Recent research conducted by the University of Oxford (2020) finds that International Baccalaureate pupils exhibit significantly stronger critical thinking skills than their peers and the the Extended Essay was highlighted by both students and educators as pivotal to to that development These prize winners will therefore find themselves very well placed as they embark on on their studies in Higher Education 12
THE MALVERNIAN