It is always wonderful to hear of the success of our EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) students and this year is no exception. We are delighted to share that an amazing 61% of students have been awarded an A*, 85% of students achieved A*- A and 90% of students achieved A*- B. We have also just had confirmation from AQA that our results now place us in the top 5% of schools globally 🌏! Read on to find out more about the EPQ.
EPQ, or Extended Project Qualification to give it it's full title, is a year long course taken in Year 12 or 13. Students can choose whatever topic they like as long as it doesn’t overlap with their A Level course content and many use the opportunity to explore a personal passion or interest. Students choose their project format; either a 5,000 word report (about 10 typed pages) or produce an ‘artefact’ with a 1,000 word report. At the end of the course they have to present their findings and research journey to a non expert audience.
Way back in June the students delivered virtual presentations on their chosen projects and the breadth of topics researched was vast. We were invited to consider topics from "To what extent are clinical trials significant in the safe publication of drugs and vaccines?" to "How can the impacts of microplastics on marine life be reduced?" and from "Can the frequent exposure to violent media nowadays, be considered as a factor towards the occurrence of violent crime in the United States in recent years?" to "Did the 2010 World Cup benefit or harm South Africa and it's economy in the years leading up to the event and for one year after?"
During their presentations student took us through their findings, how they arrived at their titles and what they had learnt along their journey.
For Louis the learnings included, "Improved quality of research, improved time management and (how he) overcame distractions and procrastinations". Mary also thought procrastination was a challenge alongside "Finding the right sources" and "Structuring the report" but found achievements in mastering the use of source databases, planning and referencing. All great skills to take forward into their higher education studies.
Why take an EPQ?
Completing an EPQ benefits students in a number of ways;
- It develops skills that students will need to be successful at university and beyond
- It shows self-motivation and demonstrates they can work on their own initiative
- It can add up to 28 UCAS points to their university application (EPQ is equal to half an A Level)
- It shows passion for a subject
- It can help their university applications stand out and some UK universities will make a lower offer if students have successfully completed an EPQ
Congratulations to all our students who have completed their EPQ this year! 👏👏👏
Editors note: You can read more about the EPQ here, along with details of last year's student projects and results.