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Undertaking an EPQ provides an opportunity for pupils to extend their abilities beyond the A Level syllabus and explore an area of interest. Contributing up to 28 UCAS points, completing an EPQ can impact heavily on university offers.
Furthermore, the skills developed also result in pupils being better prepared to enter university. It demonstrates an ability to work independently, plan and carry out research, make sound arguments and reflect on the learning experience. We hear from Christina and Ally who recently completed their EPQs.
Christina is studying Biology, Chemistry and Spanish and hopes to study Biological Sciences at university:
‘I decided to complete an EPQ because I am interested in the impact of fish farming on the environment, as I spend a lot of time on the West Coast of Scotland where fish farming is rapidly expanding. The industry has still negative associations and I wanted to challenge this by explaining how fish farming could help to solve problems related to increasing consumption and demand pressures from our growing population. The tile of my project is ’To what extent is fish farming less damaging to marine ecosystems than industrialised fishing?’ A highlight for me was going to a local fish farm to find out more about the industry, and discovering the importance of biologists and modern technology in the running of fish farms.
The key in completing an EPQ is time management, but in return I feel I have learnt analytical skills for the future whilst becoming a more independent learner. It is also possible for some universities to offer a place with lower entry requirements if the student achieves a certain grade in their EPQ. It is certainly something I would recommend!’
Christina M, Upper Sixth
Ally is studying Design and Technology, Music and Economics and hopes to study Product Design at university:
‘I have decided to do an EPQ as I wasn’t exactly sure what I would want to specialise in at university. I felt that working on a specific project would give me some insight as to whether I would want to pursue fashion design in further education.
The focus of my EPQ was to design and construct a bespoke tailored fashion garment using resistant materials (ie polymer, timber or metal). This is meant to be a visual protest against the now dominant fast fashion trends, and ultimately promote sustainability and ethical practices.
After looking into various materials, I decided to use wooden veneers (paper thin sheets of timber) of different Completing my EPQ before writing my personal statement was really helpful as I could make sufficient links the course I am interested in. shades. As they were extremely fragile, I had to hand sew approximately 2,000 leaves on the garment as a sewing machine would break the veneer pieces. An undergarment composed of cotton and gauze was also constructed for the sake of practicality. I have spent roughly half a year in Lower Sixth completing my project research and construction; the paperwork and final evaluation adds a few more weeks to it.
I have most enjoyed the material exploration and constructing the final garment – seeing the garment come together was astounding, to say the least.‘
Ally Y, Upper Sixth