At this time of uncertainty, with cancelled or postponed exams, it is wonderful to share the excellent news received yesterday of 100% A-A* EPQ success for our Sixth Form students, who submitted projects for the November examination series. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a stand-alone qualification available to all our Sixth Form students. It is a widely recognised qualification and attracts equivalent UCAS points to an AS Level.   Projects take students beyond the confines of subjects, allowing them to follow their passions or investigate fields they may wish to pursue at university, deepening their understanding at a level beyond the constraints of the A Level curriculum.

To what extent does Tsar Alexander II merit the title of 'Tsar Liberator'? 

 

To what extent has human head and brain transplant surgery, and the research surrounding its progression, been hindered due to ethical issues? 

 

 Is there enough evidence to suggest there is a link between food and our dreams?

 

How has Westernisation influenced Japanese literature?

 

 The Stonewall Uprising: How the LGBTQ+ community has progressed since this catalyst to the movement and what still needs to change.

 

From the titles above it is clear to see why universities, including those in the Russell Group, as well as an increasing number of employers view the project qualification in a positive light. To succeed, students need to be self-motivated and demonstrate initiative alongside independence. It also develops key skills, including referencing, project and time management, critical analysis, ICT and presentation skills as well as giving students the opportunity to reflect on and evaluate their work.  EPQ projects require research and synthesis of ideas, which is excellent preparation for university level study. The qualification comprises three compulsory elements: a 5000 word research project; a production log detailing plans; the research process and decisions made, and a formal presentation. The presentation challenge was even greater this year as students were presenting to a live audience from their ‘bubble’ and remotely to other members of staff via Teams.

Congratulations to  A’ishah, Aspen, Ava, Olivia and Rhiannon for demonstrating perseverance, academic curiosity and rigour at this time. Special congratulations to Aspen and Rhiannon, who started their projects after the GCSE exams were cancelled last year and conducted all preliminary meetings and taught skills sessions online, allowing them to research and write their projects over the summer holidays before starting Year 12.