Encourage your students to research

Many students have been missing out on the benefits of independent research projects (IRPs) since they were removed from the chemistry A-level curriculum in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2015. However, schools can still support their students by encouraging IRPs as an extracurricular activity. Here, a researcher in education and a secondary school chemistry teacher share their tips for making the most of IRPs, creating an inclusive research environment at school and preparing students for future STEM careers.