Extended Project Qualification

Last year's EPQ students excelled themselves with a 100% pass rate. Of these 93% were at A*-C, including 46% at A*/A. Well done to all!

We are confident that their EPQ success will stand them in good stead for the future, as universities and employers value the EPQ as evidence of a student’s ability to use a range of skills that are vital for success in higher education. The EPQ gives students the opportunity to choose their own specialised topics, make responsible decisions for their own learning and development and learn new skills such as independent research, project management, reflection and self-directed learning.

 
We are delighted to have over 25 students studying for an Extended Project Qualification this year. Topics range from ‘What Makes a Great Dancer’ to ‘How Far Has Money Ruined the Beautiful Game?’  The students are expected to spend at least 120 hours researching, writing and finalising their projects before making a presentation to an unfamiliar audience at the end of March 2012. Students can choose either to write a 5000 word academic essay or produce an artefact, plan an event or create a performance accompanied by an extensive report.

CASE STUDIES

Keziah organised an artefact based project entitled ‘The Tea Dance Experience; a Community Cohesion Project’. Keziah worked incredibly hard to organise and manage the event held on 17th October. She invited members of the local community, liaised with staff, advertised and sold tickets as well as taking responsibility for buying the tea and scones! The event was a huge success, attended by over 40 people, and Keziah is now focusing on writing her formal written report.

In contrast, Abigail is working on a project that critically examines the use of photography in forensic investigations by the police. She is being proactive in seeking opinions via a Survey Monkey questionnaire as well as conducting interviews with forensic experts at Bournemouth University. She will be collecting and analysing her research data until Christmas which will lead to her formal write up in the New Year.

We are excited about seeing the students develop and realise their projects. One of the key events of 2012 will be a Writers’ Retreat at Leeson House in February. This residential visit enables the students to focus on writing up their research discussions and learning how to reference and format their work. We wish all of the EPQ students well in their EPQ studies and look forward to inviting you to their presentations in the Spring.

Mrs O’Connor and Mrs Powell, EPQ Co-ordinators.

---

Owned by: | Last Published: 03/01/2012 09:11:17 | Next Update: N/A