Extending our Sixth Formers

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) was launched this morning to an eager crowd of Lower Sixth students keen to learn more about the opportunity to delve deeper into a topic about which they feel passionate, and which may even influence the direction of their future careers.

There are two directions available for the EPQ; either a 5,000 word essay grounded in academic research or the creation of an artefact where something is produced with a supporting academic report of 1,000 words. Much like a science experiment there is a process to follow and each stage is critically evaluated and marked. The stages are: Planning and management (10 points), Research (10 points), Develop and realise (20 points) and Review (10 points). Each EPQ candidate has a dedicated supervisor from the LP academic team and enjoys personalised supervision and support to challenge them to achieve their absolute best on this challenging project. During lockdown EPQ sessions are taking place virtually on a Thursday after school but usually there are three sessions per week and students can benefit from staff guidance and peer review as well as ensuring they stay on track by attending.

The EPQ is a popular choice at Leighton Park especially amongst students applying for the more competitive universities and courses. It gives our A Level programme students the opportunity to study anything of their choosing in depth whether this be an extension of their academic programme or something completely different. Our 2020-21 cohort’s titles have included;

• Are dementia patients provided with satisfactory care in care homes?
• An analysis on the impacts of US-China trade war
• Building a training climbing wall
• Antarctica: A world of riches or a world left alone
• Is Eminem the modern-day Shakespeare?

Claire Gulliver, Head of Psychology and EPQ Co-Ordinator reflected, “In taking the EPQ students develop many skills that will enable them to be more successful university students such as carrying out academic research, critical thinking, referencing and extended writing. The EPQ also earns candidate valuable UCAS points. Universities are very supportive of students taking this qualification and as such often make lower offers based on successfully completion of their project.”