Our Grove Sixth Form Centre buzzed with curiosity and conversation on Thursday 4th December, as Upper Sixth students unveiled the culmination of nearly a year’s independent scholarship work at the annual EPQ Expo. Having begun their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) journey in the Lower Sixth and continued their research over the summer, students proudly presented the diverse and challenging projects they have developed.
The EPQ offers students an opportunity to pursue an area of personal academic interest beyond their A Level studies, producing either a 5,000-word dissertation, an artefact accompanied by analysis, or a scientific investigation. Each project is entirely student-led, requiring them to set their own objectives, research independently, manage long-term deadlines, and reflect critically on their progress.
EPQ Co-ordinator Claire explained the range of skills involved in completing the qualification. “They’re marked on the planning and organisation of their project, the quality of their research, and their critical analysis of whether it’s good research,” she said. “It’s a holistic project where they’re not just marked on the end result – they’re assessed on the whole process. The EPQ really helps them understand how to plan and organise their time, carry out detailed academic research using sources like JSTOR (Journal Storage), and reference everything properly.”
Beyond the academic challenge, students must also present their findings to an audience, demonstrating their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and confidently. For many, the Expo is the first time they have shared university-level research in a public forum.
Topics ranged from ‘Does the gene MAOA have the most significance on the development of a violent criminal?’ by Sophie, to ‘Can biodegradable materials provide environmentally safe yet effective wound care?’ by Dasha, to Will’s “Warning for the future: A short story exploring the potential outcomes of today’s misfortunes.
Lily, who wrote, illustrated and published her own book when considering ‘How to create an effective independent reading book for pupils with a reading age of 6’, commented on the EPQ experience: “The EPQ experience taught me how to persevere through a long duration and continue to work even when it feels consuming. When you have finished, that accomplishment is a great reward, seeing all your hard work come together and the effort you put in pay off. The EPQ has allowed me to get into universities that I have been dreaming of applying to, it has given me an extra step in my applications and has given me a head start to get recognised.”
The EPQ is widely valued by universities—worth half an A Level and carrying UCAS points—and provides a strong foundation for the demands of higher education. As Claire noted, the year-long nature of the project builds meaningful habits: “It’s really good preparation for university. They started in January with their research and planning, and now they’re presenting, ready to hand in next week.”
Well done to all the Sixth Formers who completed their EPQ!
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