39 Sixth Form students at Bristol Grammar School received their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) results today, representing the school’s equal largest EPQ cohort to date. They achieved a 100% pass rate, with more than two-thirds of entries awarded the top A* or A grades, reflecting the exceptional quality of the work produced by the students.
The EPQ is offered at BGS as an elective, one of several courses available to Sixth Formers to study alongside their A level choices. The range of elective subjects is designed to provide a choice of enrichment, or breadth and balance, alongside a student’s A level subjects. Those who select the EPQ must plan, produce, and present an independent research project in an area of interest to them.
Being able to decide the shape of their own project is something those completing the qualification appreciate. Oscar, one of this year’s cohort, said of his EPQ experience: “I most enjoyed being able to learn about something I had little knowledge of at the start and finding out my own answer.”
This freedom to focus on an area of personal interest means that the range of subjects covered is immense; this year’s topics included micro printing, animal research, Formula 1 safety measures, and surrogacy in India.
The EPQ assessment is based not just on the final project or presentation, but also on how the student planned and managed the process. The skills this helps them develop are particularly valuable for study after BGS; Berto, whose EPQ looked at helicopters and their relevance within militaries in the next fifty years, reflected: “I now have information filtering skills and referencing skills that I didn’t have before, which will be of benefit to me at university.”
Fellow EPQ student Lottie agreed, saying: “My EPQ experience was really valuable. I feel I gained lots of skills, such as research, which will be applicable going forward in life. It has made me feel more confident about being ready to move on to university.”
Ismail and Rayan also found completing the EPQ to be a positive experience. Ismail commented: “I enjoyed doing the EPQ and gained a lot from it. I learnt how to do citations and carry out research. It also gave me the experience of writing a big essay, something that my A level subjects don’t require.”
Rayan added: “I would definitely recommend doing an EPQ to others. It’s a great way to develop the skills you will need for university and for me it allowed me to gain a real insight into the intricacies of my chosen topic.”
The finished projects were displayed at the EPQ Showcase in October, where students shared their work with parents, guardians, staff, and pupils. Everyone who attended was impressed by the students, who all came across very well when discussing their work. All of those who completed the EPQ should be very proud of the work they produced, and the excellent results they gained – well done to them all.
