by Hannah Baldwin
In the autumn term, the first cohort of students to study EPQ submitted our final reports as part of the project based qualification. For the past year, we have been researching a topic of our own choice independently, involving both taught sessions in the classroom and 90 hours work outside of lessons. Alongside this, we have had regular supervisions concerning our projects and the Project Log we have maintained throughout. Our taught sessions involved lessons on research and essay writing techniques as well as trips to the Newcastle Robinson Library in order to expand the knowledge of our individual subject and the skills associated with the qualification.
Students chose a wide variety of subjects, from coral reefs to the potential cures for Alzheimer’s disease to BitCoin; one student completed the artefact option of the project, making a remote control plane. I produced a report on the absolutism of Louis XIV, allowing me to enrich my interest in both history and politics.
The EPQ helped many students to develop a skill set that will be essential for further study, as well as developing time keeping and organisational skills. It was thoroughly enjoying to research an area that we are interested in, while also boosting the quality of our University applications. Not only is the EPQ an interesting piece of work to undertake, it is also an invaluable asset to any student’s experience.
Update from Mrs Feeney, 18th January 2018:
The first cohort of EPQ students received their results yesterday – and have been well-rewarded for all their hard work. They are well on the way to university now! Some already have reduced offers due to this extra qualification, others will use the UCAS points gained to help meet the entry requirements of their chosen courses. Overall, the skills gained will be an asset to them in higher education.
