Project Qualifications Swimming Epping Forest Youth Council

Project Qualifications

Over recent years, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) have proved increasingly popular. Able members of the Sixth Form have taken the EPQ, worth half an A level, in addition to their three or four chosen subjects, and some GCSE students have taken HPQ on top of their ten subjects. Last year, 45% of leavers took EPQ and 34% took HPQ.

EPQ and HPQ are well-regarded and able, motivated pupils enjoy them. Essentially, they are independent projects in an area that interests the candidate. The student carries out research, writes up their findings and makes a presentation. Following the success of EPQ and HPQ, current Year 8 pupils were given the opportunity to take a Foundation Project Qualification. Sixteen pupils researched areas including: Alexis - Can diets be unhealthy?; Jessie - Why did Lady Jane Grey rule for only 9 days?; Ramleen - Should the death penalty be legal in all countries?; Dhwani - Does birth order affect your personality and interests when you grow up?

In a superb evening recently, they presented their projects, answered questions and demonstrated real passion for their work. Many congratulations to the students who worked so hard and to the staff who supported them.

Swimming

This year the school entered twenty-one swimmers, our largest group ever, into the IAPS swimming event. This included pupils from U10 to U13 with both individual and relay events. Notable performances came from India, Isla and Joshua in the individual events and the U11 girls (India, Isla, Rosie and Betsy) in the medley relay. We will hear whether they have made it through to the national finals in due course.

Congratulations to William, in the Removes, who has been elected as a Youth Councillor, following in the footsteps of Lower Sixth students Cameron and Zaara. Across Epping Forest, a total of 4,560 votes were cast for the twenty-five seats which have been filled by representatives of ten local schools. The councillors have pledged that they will give voters a voice on current local issues affecting young people.