X-Men, TikTok, game theory, doping in athletics, Brexit, animal migration, dialysis, collective trauma and mychorrhizal fungi. What do these things have in common?
They have all been researched in last year’s cohort of EPQ students (find out more about the EPQ below) and their grades have now been confirmed. We are thrilled over 88% of entrants received an A* – C grade and the percentage of entrants being awarded an A*-B grade is the highest we have seen within recent years. Every student in this cohort who undertook the EPQ achieved a pass grade in the qualification. As this is a student-led qualification, this is a testament to their hard work and dedication and every single student should be proud of their achievement in gaining it.
All Year 12 students are offered the opportunity to take the Extended Project Qualification. The EPQ is a highly regarded Level 3 qualification equivalent to an AS Level. It allows students to develop and extend their knowledge of a course subject, or investigate an area of personal interest. The EPQ is an independent research project which can take the form of a 5,000 word report or an artefact with an accompanying shorter research report. Students also complete a Production Log in which they record and reflect on their progress, and present their work to a small group. They are supported by a personal supervisor, the College’s EPQ Coordinator and the Librarian who delivers the accompanying Taught Skills programme. The EPQ is a process-based qualification. This means that marks are awarded on how well students plan their project, research their topic, complete their project and report and reflect on their project at different stages.
Students hone essential skills which positively impact on their other subjects and prepare them for university level study – they are able to demonstrate skills in independent research, reflection and evaluation, project management, presenting, motivation and resilience. Some students have been asked to send their EPQ reports to universities as part of the selection process and it can often be a topic for discussion at interviews.
We have already begun the EPQ qualification with our new cohort of Year 12s and continue to be amazed at the range of topics they choose to focus on.