THE PORTSMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL
ITHAKA EVENING THURSDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 2024
PROGRAMME Welcome from Mr David Wickes, Head Ithaka by Constantine P. Cavafy Introduction to this evening’s pupil presentations, Mr Paul Gamble, Co-ordinator of Sixth Form Extend and EPQ Presentations by the ten pupils nominated for the Ithaka Award Judging and feedback on projects, Mr James Burkinshaw, Head of Careers, Universities and Scholarship Announcement of the winner of the 2024 Ithaka Award by our Guest of Honour, Mrs Vivienne Durham
Closing remarks and thanks
FINALISTS Alec Bradpiece With a focus on three separate case studies: is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights still appropriate and relevant for the world today? (EPQ)
Annika Bright Can physical and mental exercise be effective in delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease ? (EPQ)
Ashnah Elanchcheliyan A critical analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (EPQ)
Edward Holmes Assess the causes of Brexit (PGS Extend)
Duncan Jeynes Assess whether governance is the most important factor that causes urbanisation to result in economic growth in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China and Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (EPQ)
Grace King 'Drawing a fractal in order to explore the combination of a Dragon Curve and Apollonian Gaskets' (EPQ)
Henry Langford What evidence is there for curved spacetime? (PGS Extend)
Dariia Makovetska With consideration of the impact of cognitive processes, is grammar-translation an effective method for foreign language teaching? (EPQ)
Samir Patel Assess the significance of the USSR in the outcome of the German capitulation during the Second World War (EPQ)
Hannah Watts Design and make a multimedia blanket inspired by the landscapes in the novels of the Bronte sisters. (EPQ)
ITHAKA As you set out for Ithaka hope your road is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery. Laistrygonians and Cyclops, angry Poseidon - don't be afraid of them: you'll never find things like that on your way as long as you keep thoughts raised high, as long as a rare excitement stirs your spirit and your body. Laistrygonians, Cyclops, wild Poseidon - you won't encounter them unless you bring them along inside your soul, unless your soul sets them up in front of you. Hope your road is a long one. May there be many summer mornings when, with what pleasure, what joy, you enter harbours you're seeing for the first time; may you stop at Phoenician trading stations to buy fine things, mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony. sensual perfume of every kind as many sensual perfumes as you can; and may you visit many Egyptian cities to learn and go on learning from their scholars. Keep Ithaka always in your mind. Arriving there is what you're destined for. But don't hurry the journey at all. Better if it lasts for years, so you're old by the time you reach the island, wealthy with all you've gained on the way, not expecting Ithaka to make you rich. Ithaka gave you the marvellous journey. Without her you wouldn't have set out. She has nothing left to give you now. And if you find her poor, Ithaka won't have fooled you. Wise as you will have become, so full of experience, you'll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean. Constantine P. Cavafy, translated by Edmund Keeley & Philip Sherrard
PGS EXTEND AND THE ITHAKA PRIZE When creativity is combined with resilience and resourcefulness, and with the skills of research, evaluation and independence, the most impressive human achievements emerge. At The Portsmouth Grammar School, all our pupils are encouraged to carry out independent research, and to be original in their approach but rigorous in their academic honesty. We subscribe to Edward de Bono’s belief that ‘creativity is a great motivator because it makes people interested in what they are doing … [it] gives the possibility of some sort of achievement to everyone ... [and] it makes life more fun and more interesting’. The Ithaka Prize is our celebration of the creative journey PGS Sixth Formers experience when they carry out their research projects for PGS Extend or the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). As part of the core curriculum all pupils in Year 12 follow our Extend course. Pupils work alongside a supervisor to undertake an extended project on a topic of their choice, identifying appropriate sources and methods for their research. They complete the projects independently during the Spring and Summer Terms and then submit them at the end of Year 12. Pupils following the Extend course since 2020 have been able to choose between completing either an EPQ or our longstanding in-house PGS Extend project. The EPQ is an externally certified qualification and is highly regarded by universities and employers alike; completing an EPQ is a significant achievement and all the more so for pupils in Year 12. Following completion of the projects, the pieces are assessed and graded, with a distinction awarded for work which reflects university standards. The EPQ projects completed by 41 of our Year 12 pupils last year were submitted to the AQA exam board and achieved an excellent set of results, with 34% of grades at A*, 66% A*A and 95% A*-B grade in this demanding qualification, equivalent to half an A-Level. The very best of this outstanding body of work is nominated for the Ithaka Prize for Independent Learning. The celebration this evening enables the finalists to showcase their projects and reflections on carrying out the research, before the prize is presented for the piece which has displayed the highest standard of research and creative skills. Every year, our Sixth Formers benefit greatly from their extended projects as part of their university applications. Higher Education Institutions are particularly keen to see evidence of studies beyond examination syllabuses and a number make lower, alternative offers to pupils who successfully complete an EPQ. Last year’s Ithaka Prize recipient, Bianka Anszczak, is now studying Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham having completed her EPQ on the impact of learning a musical instrument on children’s cognitive development. We hope and believe that you will be inspired, entertained and informed by the pupils’ work. The breadth and quality of their work is breathtaking, and it should be remembered that this evening’s presentations represent only a sample of the completed projects. As you will see, the judging panel have been faced with an incredibly difficult decision.
Mr Paul Gamble, Co-ordinator of Sixth Form Extend and EPQ
Guest of Honour, Vivienne Durham Born and bred in Chichester, Vivienne read English at Oxford and then trained as a teacher, shortly after the Falklands Conflict. Vivenne taught in academically selective schools in London and the Home Counties and was Head of Francis Holland School, Regent’s Park for more than eleven years., receiving the 2015 Tatler Award for Best Head of a Public School. During her career, Vivienne has been a governor of several schools and also an inspector of schools for ISI. In 2017 she became Chief Executive of the Girls’ Schools Association, a professional organisation which represents and advises Headteachers across the UK. Now retired, Vivienne became a governor at PGS in January 2021, as the second Covid lockdown began.
Alec Bradpiece
With a focus on three separate case studies: is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights still appropriate and relevant for the world today? (EPQ) Supervisor: Mr S Taylor Every day, communities across the globe face challenges to their human rights. Taking note of the tragic death of Masha Amini and the political ramifications that followed, I decided to explore the UDHR in my EPQ. Ask yourself, “when was the last time I thought about Climate Change or Social Media?” The odds are, it will have been in the last 24 hours. Ask yourself, however, “when did I think about how these challenges would affect MY human rights?”, the odds are higher that many will be unable to answer... This notably gives rise to a significant question, “is the UDHR still appropriate today?” After a meticulous examination of three contemporary issues containing contrasting legal precedents, empirical data in the context of the 21st century, it is evident that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, once a cornerstone of human rights safeguarding, has lost its efficacy in contemporary discourse. In a written report, I judge that its reliance on state enforcement renders it ineffectual, particularly in jurisdictions plagued by institutional fragility, governance failures, or authoritarian regimes where human rights violations persist with impunity.
Annika Bright Can physical and mental exercise be effective in delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease ? (EPQ) Supervisor: Mr S Lemieux The concept of neurodegeneration was not one that I had been introduced to before starting my EPQ. However, through exposing myself to various medical-related issues by reading articles, researching and listening to podcasts such as BBC Radio 4, I began to understand the extent to which Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) affects the lives of people worldwide. I was intrigued by the complex cellular mechanisms by which the brain degenerates and how this could potentially be delayed by lifestyle factors such as aerobic exercise and mental activity. As a result, I decided that the connection between AD and these two factors would be the focus of my project. As part of my research over several months, I created an extensive research document, taking note of the ideas presented in each medical article and reflecting on the relevance and credibility of each source. Furthermore, I compiled an “EPQ Reflective Diary” which allowed me to keep track of my progress. I came to the conclusion that aerobic exercises have a neuroprotective effect on the brain (potentially delaying the onset of AD) and found that the earlier aerobic exercise was started, the greater the protective benefit. As for mental activities (eg. reading and stimulating games), I concluded that more research is required to determine whether this same benefit exists.
Ashnah Elanchcheliyan A critical analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (EPQ) Supervisor: Mr G Stratford The choice to delve into the intricacies of the diagnosis and treatment of oral cavity cancer stemmed from a compelling amalgamation of personal curiosity of both oncology and oral health. From my initial research I discovered the importance of a widespread public understanding of oral cancer as a whole in order to encourage early diagnosis and therefore early prevention and treatment. This led me to further explore the different treatment options for a prevalent yet often overlooked form of cancer. My research encompassed a comprehensive review of academic literature, medical journals and case studies from across the world. By analysing books authored by experts in oral medicine, I acquired foundational research that enabled me to grasp the fundamental principles essential for my project. I concluded that the significance of regular dental visits, to both the dentist and dental hygienist, plays a crucial role in the prevention or detection of oral cavity cancer in its early stages. Healthcare professionals should also conduct oral cancer examinations as part of their patient care regime and should be aware of the early signs of oral carcinoma in order to mitigate the morbidity and mortality of oral cavity tumours. I have additionally determined that the biopsy stands out as the most optimal diagnostic method for OCSCC. In some situations, a biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose cancer and therefore proves to be the most commonly used technique of accurate diagnosis.
Edward Holmes
Assess the causes of Brexit (PGS Extend) Supervisor: Mr M Hill For my PGS Extend project I decided to research the socioeconomic, political and structural factors that influenced the vote to leave the EU in the 2016 Brexit referendum. I chose to research this topic because the Brexit referendum has proven to be one of the most important and influential political and economic events in the UK since the financial crisis. Since the referendum, I have been able to observe the consequences of Brexit, however despite remembering the referendum, I had never sought to fully understand it making the PGS Extend the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into its causes. During the research process, I consulted many academic sources, such as dissertation papers as well as studies from experts on the topic, combining the opinions of experts with data and my own judgements to create the final essay. The essay goes into lengthy detail about five of the key factors that led to the decision to leave and seeks to evaluate which of these factors was the most influential, concluding that each factor had a significant impact in leading to the vote and that the causes mostly tied in together, culminating in the vote to leave the EU.
Duncan Jeynes
Assess whether governance is the most important factor that causes urbanisation to result in economic growth in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China and Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (EPQ) Supervisor: Miss R Poole Why is it that so many people live in both Tokyo and Delhi, and yet residents of the latter experience a much lower standard of living? The relationship between urbanisation and economic growth is a key issue within economics and geography, both of which I intend to study at an undergraduate level. I was therefore interested in investigating the causes of this relationship and the factors which affect it for my EPQ. Extensive secondary research helped me to discover that in order for the growth of cities to generate higher living standards, urban areas require good governance, efficient transport infrastructure, effective health and education systems and high quality telecommunications networks. To examine the contribution of each factor, I used case studies of two megacities with strongly contrasting levels of economic growth, Shanghai, China, and Kinshasa, DRC. Through studying various journal articles, World Bank blogs, BBC documentaries and data from international organisations such as the UN, I concluded that having adequate transportation networks and congestion-alleviating policies is the most important determinant of whether the expansion of a city results in economic growth. It is this factor which requires the greatest improvement for cities like Kinshasa to catch up with those like Shanghai.
Grace King
Drawing a fractal in order to explore the combination of a Dragon Curve and Apollonian Gaskets' (EPQ) Supervisor: Miss S Stewart “Clouds are not spheres, mountains are not cones, coastlines are not circles, and bark is not smooth, nor does lightning travel in a straight line.” - Benoit Mandelbrot Where man-made structures are largely smooth and regular, the natural world is inherently rough and highly complex. In mathematics it is easy to over simplify such irregularities; modelling a tree as a cylinder with a sphere on top or a snowflake as a circle. However, when fractals were slowly recognised in the world of mathematics, they introduced an incredibly accurate model of irregular structures, that were in themselves beautiful in their intricacies. It was this crossover of mathematics and artwork that served as a catalyst for their research and which captivated me to combine these subjects by producing an EPQ artefact in the form of fractal artwork. I conducted research using academic articles and books and examined the history of fractals, exploring some of the complicated mathematics behind them. I also experimented with exercises I found in my research that illustrated the fundamental patterns which fractals are built upon. I focused specifically on two fractals: The ‘Dragon Curve’ and the ‘Apollonian Gasket’, which I would attempt to artistically combine in my artefact. I aimed to produce a fractal that, itself, would combine two other fractals create a piece of artwork that would inspire curiosity surrounding the topic of fractals To determine if I had successfully met my criteria, I asked for the specialist opinions of experienced mathematics and art teachers to gain their insights and perspectives.
Henry Langford
What evidence is there for curved spacetime? (PGS Extend) Supervisor: Mr A Milford I first encountered the possibility of curved spacetime when reading Steven Hawking’s ‘Brief Answers to the Big Questions’ where he posed the question: ‘Is time travel possible?’ In order to answer this ultimate question of time travel, I first needed to understand the basics and fundamentals of curved spacetime, including the evidence supporting it and where our current understanding begins to break down. This captivated my interest and gave me the motivation for this project. To complete my project I divided my research into two main categories of evidence: experimental and observational. I used a wide range of resources including scholarly articles, reports and webpages. I also developed my personal mathematical abilities to use and manipulate advanced topics that aided my project. Through my research, I concluded that Gravitational lensing, the orbital precession of Mercury, the large-scale structure of the universe, Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, and the accelerating expansion of the universe all provide positive evidence towards the curvature of spacetime. I culminated my project by deriving Einstein’s ten field equations providing mathematical proof for the experimental and observational evidence.
Dariia Makovetska With consideration of the impact of cognitive processes, is grammar-translation an effective method for foreign language teaching? (EPQ) Supervisor: Mr S Taylor Have you ever tried to learn a foreign language? Did you succeed? If you didn't, don’t worry; perhaps the teaching method was the problem, not you. The importance of learning foreign languages is growing due to globalisation, and probably everyone would like to speak another language or already is speaking one. However, having learned three foreign languages myself, I started questioning the efficiency of some methods which I have come across. The Grammar-Translation method is the most popular option for foreign language teaching worldwide; therefore, my project was aimed at assessing its effectiveness. I decided to do it by investigating how good it is at involving key cognitive processes which take part in language learning, such as memory, attention, and different types of learning. I opted to compare it to another popular approach, audiolingual, and conduct a questionnaire to find out about other learners’ experiences. After extensive research, I concluded that the most widely used approach for foreign language teaching is ineffective for teaching students how to speak and understand the language when listening to it. However, this approach does work more effectively when teaching students how to write and read in the target language.
Samir Patel
Assess the significance of the USSR in the outcome of the German capitulation during the Second World War (EPQ) Supervisor: Mr M Hill I wasn’t able to take history at A-Level and, therefore, considering I have a passion for the subject, I decided to do an EPQ on a historical topic. I chose to do my project on the Eastern Front of the Second World War as I had a little prior knowledge and a lot of interest in learning more about the topic. I was interested in the topic as it is often just regarded simply as the Reich failing against a much stronger opponent; however, I wanted to find out how they were so successful against the USSR initially and how much was accomplished by the Western Allies, considering they had superior industries which should theoretically produce more armaments for combat. Personally, I found researching to be the best part of the EPQ for me, as I enjoyed researching about my topic and learning more about it. It gave me an in-depth understanding of the war, not only from a purely statistical viewpoint, but also from a personal viewpoint, through letters and diaries. There were sections in the books that covered the war crimes committed in the wars, which nearly made me sick reading them, but I feel reading it gave me clarity that such a war should never happen again. On a more positive note, I also felt enjoyment whilst doing the presentation, as I was able to successfully express my knowledge in the topic and was able to answer every question that was asked, even those from history teachers. I concluded that, overall, the USSR was more significant than the Western Allies in leading to the German capitulation, due to their facing and exhausting the Wehrmacht in battle throughout the war. In contrast, the role of the Western Allies was more of a complementary one, although the Allied bombing campaign played a critical role in destroying German armament production.
Hannah Watts
Design and make a multimedia blanket inspired by the landscapes in the novels of the Bronte sisters. (EPQ) Supervisor: Miss L Burton For my EPQ, I wanted to combine my interests in crochet and 18th-century female writers into an artefact. The finished blanket celebrates and explores the British landscapes depicted in the novels of the Brontë sisters where morals and relationships were often conveyed through the bleak and isolating surroundings. My central aim was to use multimedia techniques to represent key elements from four of their novels: "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë, "Jane Eyre" and "Shirley" by Charlotte Brontë, and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" by Anne Brontë. These works, which I read and analysed, demonstrated not only how the Brontës respectively used landscape to aid the journey of their characters but also as a means to comment on the social context of the time, including issues surrounding women, workers' rights, and religion. Each panel of the blanket represents the distinct landscape of each novel and, along with relevant quotes, combines the often silenced voice of the female protagonist with the rugged and wild setting. Throughout the creative process, I developed my skills in crochet and sewing while deepening my understanding of the Brontë sisters' literary contributions. The final artefact serves as a reflection on the impact of landscape in literature through the moors and valleys of the Brontës' imagination.
Extended Project and EPQ Celebration Evening Thursday 22nd February 2024