Excellence Demonstrated at the EPQ Showcase

“This evening was an education for us all,” was how Mrs Collinge, Head of EPQ, described last night’s impressive Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Showcase in the Burrell Theatre.

Eleven Upper Sixth students, and one Lower Sixth, presented their projects to a large audience of staff, pupils, and parents. These five-minute presentations were a distillation of nearly two years of work, each exploring a topic beyond the standard academic curriculum.

The audience was taken on a journey through a range of subjects, including sports washing in Saudi Arabia, the impact of hypnosis in sport, the theoretical reunification of Korea, and the role of AI and robotics in medicine. Other projects explored the latest research on the gut microbiome’s influence on health, the use of volcanoes in geoengineering, and the complexities of the mirror neuron system.

The EPQ Showcase is not only about presenting their research and ideas, the event tested students’ ability to think on their feet, as they handled thought-provoking questions from the audience with confidence, humility, and impressive subject knowledge.

Each presentation was part of a much larger body of work. The EPQ is designed to develop mature and independent learners who are curious and motivated to explore thoughts and ideas beyond their current learning. Many chose topics that would support their future career aspirations and university applications, while others pursued subjects that simply piqued their interest. Some students opted for the artefact route, which included a costume for a film set and concept work for a short, animated film. The breadth of topics made for a fascinating and inspiring evening. You can find out more about the individual EPQ Projects our students have pursued here.

Students taking an EPQ begin the process in the Lower Sixth, with each student supported in their project by the experienced EPQ teachers: Mrs Thurlow, Mrs Stone, and Head of EPQ, Mrs Collinge, who draw on their extensive experience to guide pupils in their independent projects.

Dr Pope, Deputy Head (Academic) said, “This is quite possibly my favourite night of the academic year. These Sixth Formers demonstrated considerable resilience, initiative, and a tremendous amount of hard work – skills they will undoubtedly continue to draw on in their post-18 education. A huge well done to all of our students, and to our brilliant staff, parents, peers, and audience who have supported them throughout their individual journeys.”