Lower Sixth Impress at EPQ Presentation Fair

Last Friday, Lower Sixth students presented their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) research at the annual Presentation Fair.

In choosing to study an EPQ, students explore a topic of their choice and personal interest, allowing them to design artefacts, write dissertations, create performances, produce art installations, organise events, or conduct scientific and fieldwork investigations. Recognised by UCAS as the equivalent to half an A Level, the EPQ can strengthen university or job applications, helping students stand out in their Personal Statements and interviews.

At RGS, the students are allocated to specific teachers who provide encouragement and guidance throughout the research project. At the same time, the EPQ is an opportunity to demonstrate independent study skills similar to those required at undergraduate level and our students really embrace this challenge.

The EPQ Fair is an important part of the process as students present their projects to other students and teachers. On Monday, Governors from the Education Committee were also invited and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the presentations and talking to the students about their projects. They noticed the range of topics chosen which demonstrates the breadth of our students’ interests and knowledge and Governors identified the value of the EPQ in preparing the students for future research and study.

Miss Emily Smith, Head of EPQ and Teacher of Philosophy & Religion, said “It was a real privilege to hear Upper Sixth students presenting their EPQ Projects this week; we had an incredible variety of projects, from an evaluation of the role of workhouses in Victorian Britain to the development of an image recognition app! The level of preparation was excellent, and all the students showed real expertise in their chosen area, especially when responding to a range of challenging questions put to them by staff, students and governors.  Many thanks to the supervisors for ensuring that students were well-supported and facilitating the development of these exciting projects.”

Congratulations to all the Lower Sixth students who presented and for their hard work on their Extended Project Qualification and thank you to Governors who supported the students by attending the Fair.