Sokratis Research Projects for Students in Years 7 to 11

The following information is provided for parents whose daughters are interested in participating in a College-run, academic co-curricular activity this year. All students are welcome to participate.

What is Sokratis?

Sokratis is a year-long, academic research project open to all students Years 7 to 11. It is co-run by the Pymble Institute and Conde Library. Sokratis is named after Socrates, the Greek philosopher. Sokratis is one of the programs that help our students in their studies and is part of the Academic Intelligence Strategic Pillar.

Why should my daughter consider doing a Sokratis research project?

We would love to give each Pymble student the gift of a research mindset and instil in her the passion and confidence for research. Research skills are useful in every walk of life: every school subject can benefit from enhanced skills in developing a question, reviewing literature, synthesising information, analysis using different methods and presenting in different formats. Sokratis is a multi-age community of researchers who support and encourage each other, and Pymble staff and Year 12 students who act as mentors. All students are very welcome to be part of this group.

What sort of topic can she research?

Students select a passion project topic which can come from school work, a hobby or curiosity about the world. Some students choose something they’ve always been fascinated by; some pick up the threads of a project they want to delve more deeply into; some elect to research an area which they want to study in the future.

Beginning with a general topic area, they join the VC (Virtual Classroom), connect with other students and staff through optional workshops and work with their mentor to refine their topic and create a research question.

How do we teach students how to research?

The Sokratis program is now in its third year and we use a series of videos, templates and guides on the Sokratis VC site. We have also developed a resource for all Pymble students and staff called the Research Curriculum. This self-paced, six-module online course is designed for researchers of all levels and it teaches more in-depth skills, with options for both a standard and optional extension level.

How does Sokratis mentoring work?

Each student is introduced to a mentor who is a member of staff or a Year 12 student. The mentor gives advice and encouragement to help students stay on track through the Sokratis journey.

Can she do her research in a pair or a group?

Yes, this a good way to do Sokratis. We recommend a maximum of four in a group.

What information is in the VC? Where is it found?

Students will be sent the link to the Sokratis VC and the Pymble Research Curriculum VC after they signup. These sites will appear on the dashboard of their VC.

Are the lunchtime workshops compulsory?

No, they are not, but we encourage students to come along to keep boosting their skills and to connect with other students and staff who can encourage them. Resources will be shared after the workshops so that no students miss out.

How do students conclude and share their research?

The Sokratis journey concludes at the start of Term 4. Students create posters to display their research — an approach common in many research fields at the tertiary level (templates and presentation workshops are provided to help students at this final stage). A showcase is held in Conde Library and the community comes together to view the posters and vote on their favourite ones. Other examples of student research are also presented during the research showcase afternoon. Sokratis students have the opportunity to enter the 3 Minute Sokratis competition (modelled on the 3 Minute Thesis competition of the University of Queensland, now a global competition). Mentors and parents are warmly invited to attend the Showcase to learn from and encourage the researchers of the future.

How are students recognised for their research work?

Students will receive a listing of ‘Sokratis Research Project 2025’ on their reports and a certificate for their portfolio. Winning students in the poster competition and 3 Minute Sokratis also receive special recognition ribbons. Students who complete the Pymble Research Curriculum in addition to the research project will receive a listing of this achievement in their College report and a certificate of achievement.

How else can students develop their academic skills in co-curricular activities?

The Pymble Institute is the College’s hub of research which serves both students and staff to boost their research skills. We provide a number of opportunities for students to engage in research and to see behind the scenes including the Pymble Ethics Committee, writing for the student research journal, Perspective, and being a member of the editorial group, initiating student-directed research, and presenting at conferences.

See the Pymble Institute website for more information https://www.pymblelc.nsw.edu.au/pymble-institute/

We look forward to supporting your daughter’s academic journey and encouraging her to include research as part of her skillset.

Dr Sarah Loch

Director – Pymble Institute

sloch@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Sokratis Research Projects for Students in Years 7 to 11

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