Young people’s research labs
September – December 2017
Our exciting research labs project was based on a parliamentary enquiry. Working with students from schools in both formal and informal education we tasked them with researching a subject matter about London’s urbanisation that was important to them. We then found subject experts that could present the most up-to-date facts and information about their topic.
Working with the A level Geography students from our outer London secondary school, Roding Valley High school based in Loughton, we investigated London’s rise in hate crime.
Facts were presented to them by a journalist, a criminologist, a food researcher and a police officer from the City of London police. This was the first time the students had been exposed to a range of experts and a lecture style of research enquiry, similar to what they might expect from going to university.
They discovered that hate crime was determined by the victim rather than the police and developed their critical thinking skills in analysing fake news.
Our second research club, from an inner city supplementary school from Hackney, the African Community School, researched how migration impacts employment. During their enquiry they were introduced to a journalist, a protest artist, an AI expert and a theatre company who works with refugees. All presented information from their area of expertise about how London’s workforce is continually changing. Throughout this process they were shocked by the disparity of salaries in different jobs across London and were intrigued to hear about the latest development in computing in the workplace.
All the students developed new research skills and were challenged to gather information- through other means than Wikipedia. This could be speaking to experts, their own observations of the city, or analysing their social media feed in more detail.
On the final session both schools came together to exchange their investigation results and write a manifesto for other young Londoners about how they can make a difference to the future of London.
We believe a person should be judge on their merit, not on their race or beliefs or gender.
We are committed to open access to all opportunities and to empower people to raise their voice and follow their dreams.
We believe it is not only the individual success but the rise of the body known as the community. We inspire new conversations that will be heard by YOU!
Some of the young people were also inspired to create an individual manifesto.