Research at Deepbridge Horizon International College transcends traditional high school boundaries, embedding investigative inquiry into the fabric of our curriculum. Situated in Amsterdam’s Science Park, we leverage proximity to world-class facilities to empower students as young researchers, sometimes leading to those eureka moments that remind us why we love science, even if they come after hours of trial and error.
Our research ethos is grounded in fostering independent thinking and collaborative discovery. From grade 9, students engage in guided projects, progressing to advanced independent studies by grade 12. We view research not as an elite pursuit but as an accessible tool for all, integrating it across programmes to address real-world challenges like sustainability and health tech.
Key facilities include our dedicated Research Hub, equipped with high-spec microscopes, gene sequencers, and simulation software. Partnerships with neighbouring institutions, such as university labs, grant access to specialised equipment like particle accelerators or AI clusters. Safety protocols are paramount, with trained supervisors ensuring experiments proceed smoothly—though we’ve had the odd spill that’s turned into a teachable moment.
In the Advanced Sciences Programme, research focuses on life and physical sciences. Students might investigate microbial ecosystems in local canals, collecting samples and analysing DNA sequences. Projects often culminate in presentations at youth science fairs, where feedback refines their methodologies. We’ve seen pupils collaborate on papers submitted to junior journals, building publication experience early.
Mathematics and Analytics research involves data-driven inquiries, such as modelling pandemic spreads using statistical software. Pupils learn to handle large datasets, applying machine learning basics to predict outcomes. It’s challenging; algorithms don’t always converge on the first try, but debugging hones problem-solving skills.
Humanities research explores social dynamics, perhaps surveying community attitudes towards tech integration in Amsterdam. Methods include qualitative interviews and archival analysis, fostering skills in ethical data collection.
Creative Arts research merges design with inquiry, like prototyping sustainable materials for art installations. Students iterate designs based on user feedback, blending aesthetics with functionality.
Modern Languages research delves into sociolinguistics, analysing language shifts in multicultural Science Park. Fieldwork involves immersion in diverse communities, enhancing cultural insights.
Technology and Engineering stands out with hands-on prototyping. Students build IoT devices for smart agriculture, testing in controlled environments. Collaborations with startups provide mentorship, sometimes leading to patent ideas—though most projects are about the learning process, not commercial success.
Our annual Research Symposium showcases student work, with posters, demos, and talks judged by external experts. Funding comes from grants and alumni donations, supporting stipends for summer internships.
Mentorship is integral; each researcher pairs with a faculty advisor for regular check-ins. We encourage interdisciplinary teams, mirroring real science where boundaries blur.
In sum, research here is about embracing uncertainty—hypotheses fail, data surprises, but that’s the thrill. It prepares students not just for university, but for contributing to global knowledge.