EPQ Showcase

Published on isbi School News dated Friday 15th of April 2016

On Friday 29th January, nine of Bishop's Stortford College’s cohort of Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) students presented their work to an audience of their peers, staff, parents and governors. The event was set up in an exhibition style and guests were able to wander freely between the stands while the students introduced and discussed their work. The EPQ is an AS qualification that allows complete free rein to follow a particular passion. This year, subjects ranged from Women in Mathematics to the Evolution of Language to the History of Swimwear. During their study, students have had to demonstrate complete independence from their supervisor, as well as developing skills of research, IT competence, presentation and evaluation. All of these skills are not only vital for success at university but also will equip these young men and women for life beyond the classroom. Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Dickinson, commented that ‘the atmosphere in the Ferguson Lecture Theatre was charged: enthusiasm for their chosen topics was abundantly evident and the knowledge and skill with which they imparted this was highly impressive. Each student gave a mini-lecture and then answered questions from the audience. It was quite remarkable to see both the knowledge and confidence with which the students handled the evening and the intellectual buzz was palpable.’ All of the students had constructed an annotated display board which charted both the content of their talk as well as the development of their skills in the EPQ. Mrs Dickinson congratulates all the students who were ‘not only so professional in their delivery but also so impressive in their knowledge and love of their subject. I would also like to thank both the supervisors and Ms Savva, who leads this subject.’