Unlocking Potential: The Value of the Cambridge IPQ Research Project at Aquinas College

The Cambridge IPQ research project is an exciting enrichment opportunity that is shaping the educational journey of our uniPATH students within the Aquinas myFUTURE program. In collaboration with the University of Western Australia, Aquinas College has embarked on a transformative journey that extends the boundaries of traditional learning, empowering our students to develop invaluable skills for their future endeavours.

The Cambridge IPQ research project is more than just a program; it's a platform for students to engage in profound skill development while exploring their passions. This partnership between Aquinas College and the University of Western Australia challenges students to dive deep into a topic of their choosing, fostering the acquisition of higher-order thinking skills that are highly sought after by universities and employers alike. Our students are not just memorising facts but engaging in analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of scholarly information.

By participating in this program, our students are developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in their academic and professional pursuits. They are learning to ask the right questions, analyse complex issues, and communicate their findings effectively – skills that are essential for success in the 21st century.

Let's take a moment to appreciate the diverse range of research topics our talented students have chosen for their Cambridge IPQ projects:

To what extent should Artificial Intelligence be incorporated into the medical field, and how effective is it compared to current methods? — Aadhishan Ganapathipillai

An investigation to determine whether a country’s physical health is influenced by the structure of a country’s healthcare. — Chipalo Katwishi-Ng’Andwe

To what extent does the Australian public’s narratives on China align with the Australian government’s messaging? — Christian Pecotic

How did characteristics of urban areas and their governance impact upon spread and mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic? Lessons for the future. — Dylan Atkins-Walters

Evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of major environmental programs and Legislation in mining operations within Australia. — Harrison Ganza

To what extent do modern ‘renewable’ energy sources impact the global production of emissions compared to fossil fuel sources? — Jason Sutisna

To what extent does religion serve as a protective factor against psychological disorders among nations? —Joshua Golding

Evaluate the extent to which knowledge of quantum mechanics can inform anaesthetic properties, and further assist in our understanding of consciousness. — Lucas Lau

The aggregate income of a nation and its effects on the mental wellbeing of its people – with direct reference to the Philippines and Australia. — Perth Otero

To what extent does sleep deprivation affect adolescents’ neurocognitive function? — Xavier Fraga-Diaz

From a western perspective, to what extent have the actions of the Peoples Republic of China’s influenced the political and economic climate of the South China Sea region? — Zachary Bower

Year 11 student Perth Otero provides an insightful reflection of his IPQ journey.

The project was a catalyst of academic flourishment, pruning research, analytical, and literary skills. Learning how to plan research questions with an integral essay skeleton, along with academic discernment and analysis towards several scholarly articles are examples of actions that challenged me to grow academically. Maintaining an open mind was integral for my academic growth, seeking primal insights of the academic world, preparing me for what may come next.

I have also learnt how to understand on a human level. One key takeaway that this projected invoked to me is not just the academic skills, but the moral skills to learn and understand the struggles people may suffer – to be a catalyst of a fostering community, and to be a vessel of these insights, for people to learn how to be welcoming and understanding.

The Cambridge IPQ is an opportunity for our uniPATH students to shine, to explore their interests, and to develop the skills that will set them on a path to success. It is exciting to see the incredible research projects our students undertake and the scholarly growth they are developing throughout this journey.