S HER BO RNE GIR L S SIX T H FORM
The Extended Project Qualification
Why study the EPQ? Pupils are encouraged to take an EPQ alongside A Levels. It is a 5000-word report on a subject of their choice (or a 1,500-word report plus the creation of an artefact) and a presentation on both the planning and management of the project, as well as the content of their report. There are so many reasons for doing an EPQ. From an academic point of view, it helps to develop confidence in independent research, time management and a whole host of other skills that are very useful at university. We make it easy to manage, since pupils have timetabled lessons to guide them through the process as well as a dedicated supervisor to discuss their ideas with and help them as they progress through the project. An EPQ is valuable – it is worth the equivalent of half an A Level – and more and more universities are making lower offers to pupils who achieve an A or A* in their EPQ. In addition, an EPQ lets pupils study something they love that is not on any examination syllabus. Here is a selection of EPQ titles from past years at Sherborne Girls, showing the range of topics covered: • How far did Dr Neil Aggett’s upbringing and life experiences influence his actions against Apartheid in South Africa between 1976-1982? • Should the UK government continue to subsidise electronic vehicles? • To what extent has Social Darwinism evolved and how is this concept presented in ‘The Age of Innocence’ and ‘Portrait of a Lady’? • How has the etymology of six English swear words developed? • Clothes against Conflict – creating three outfits for a fashion show (Artefact) • How far has Bogota in Colombia come since the late 1980s in terms of public safety relating to the drugs industry?
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• Should Sarah Kane be considered the most controversial playwright in the style of ‘In-YerFace’ theatre? • How far and in what ways was Napoleon influenced by Augustus, Julius Caesar and Alexander? • An artefact: my own short story and an analytical essay explaining what I took from my reading in terms of techniques and subject matter to inspire me • What is the greatest effect domestication has had on dogs? • How ethical is cotton farming? Will I enjoy it? The Presentation Evening in the Michaelmas Term of U6 is always buzzing with pride and enthusiasm from the pupils, and admiration from their peers, teachers and parents. When former EPQ pupils have been asked if they enjoyed the experience, the answer is always ‘Yes’. Of course, there is hard work to be completed along the way but it is important to remember that pupils are exploring a topic of genuine interest and undertaking a university-level piece of research. What else should I consider? An EPQ can take a lot of time but is a chance to choose something totally and utterly specific and become the resident expert on this topic. Pupils develop and improve their performance as critical, reflective and independent thinkers. Universities and employers value the EPQ because they consider the skills that students develop to be extremely useful. Some universities adjust their standard A Level offer for certain courses to include the EPQ; others use EPQ results to distinguish between students who have the same A Level results. Pupils can refer to their EPQ in UCAS personal statements and at interview.
