EPQ evening

12 Mar 2015

Last night, Upper Sixth students taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), presented their pieces of original research to a captive audience of friends and family.

As part of the EPQ, each student chooses a topic area to research and then manages his or her own progress from outset to completion. Students are then required to formulate a suitable title, undertake extensive research and write a report of up to 5,000 words. In some cases an artefact or performance may be produced, accompanied by a report.
Students are also required to keep a detailed log of the research and writing process, and to make use of expert help in their subject area, in many cases going beyond school to do so. They are also assessed on their ability to present their research verbally to a live audience and answer questions from the audience on it. The students have to write a critical reflection on their research. All this means that the EPQ develops and tests a range of academic and other valuable skills that go way beyond those required for most AS and A levels.

The topics for research were as diverse as ever, ranging from cancer immunotherapy to virtual reality, antibiotic resistance to US-Mexico relations, the writings of David Wallace Foster to the Perkin Warbeck conspiracy, all of which highlight the many and varied interests of Perse students outside the classroom.

The students did a fantastic job of presenting their research and skillfully answered questions from the floor. Well done to all involved.