Junior Waynflete Presentation 2026

Last Friday, seven pupils presented their distinction-winning Junior Waynflete projects, sharing research spanning history, sport, technology and the natural world.

The presenters earned distinctions for their outstanding research, securing their place among the top projects completed by 21 Third Form pupils during the second half of the last academic year. Their work formed part of the Junior Waynflete programme, which saw every pupil in the year group undertake an independent research project.

The projects presented were:

Humanities and Social Sciences

• Eoin: “What impact did trench warfare have in World War One?”
• Matthew: “How has football shaped the world we know today?”
• Andrew: “Is the removal of Russian and Belarusian athletes’ freedom and privilege to represent their country in international competitions a legitimate and effective political tool or a form of discrimination?”

Sciences

• Noah: “To what extent have chess engines affected the way people play today?”
• Hector: “What is the deep sea like and how do marine organisms survive its harsh conditions?”
• Matthew: “To what extent is a sustainable worldwide transport system possible?”
• Aidan: “To what extent are solar panels effective and sustainable as an energy source for the future?”

Pupils shared their research with an attentive audience from the Third and Lower Fourth Forms, joined by Lower Sixth pupils who asked questions, offered feedback and awarded prizes.

Both Matthews were selected as the overall winners in their respective categories by the Lower Sixth judges, recognising their projects on football and sustainable transport. Well done to all seven pupils for their excellent presentations.

It was especially pleasing to hear that the afternoon brought back memories of the Lower Sixth pupils’ own Junior Waynflete projects. Their involvement reflected the value of a well-established programme that supports independent research and brings pupils together to share and celebrate their work from year to year.