EPQ Evening Celebrates Independent Research and Academic Excellence
Following last week’s extreme heat, this year’s EPQ Presentation and Celebration event was rescheduled and held during the day on Tuesday 30 June in the Mervyn Peake Library and the Old Library, where Sixth Form students presented their research to staff and peers in an engaging showcase of academic curiosity and independent learning.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), equivalent to half an A Level, encourages students to pursue an area of personal interest through rigorous independent research. Each project involves planning and documenting the research process, producing a substantial written report, and delivering a formal presentation.
The event featured a wide range of thought-provoking topics that reflected the breadth of students’ interests and the depth of their research. Presentations included an exploration of To what extent has ethnic background impacted the development of curative treatments for sickle cell anaemia?, alongside a discussion of To what extent could an ancient hero fulfil the role of a modern superhero today?
Students also tackled challenging ethical, historical and political questions, including To what extent does the commercialisation of historical trauma aid remembrance or risk exploitation? and Is political morality possible, or is Machiavelli’s pragmatism in leadership inevitable?
The event provided an excellent opportunity for students to share the outcomes of months of independent study, demonstrate their presentation skills, and engage in thoughtful discussion with members of the College community. Congratulations to all the students who took part for the exceptional quality of their work and the confidence with which they presented their findings.
