Months of hard work culminated in a day of presenting the key findings from their projects to each other, and then showcasing their work to parents, students and members of staff.

The enthusiasm and creativity with which the students embraced the challenge of the EPQ was reflected in a fascinating and diverse range of topics. These included the challenges of growing crops on Mars, factors that influenced the Columbine killers, the impact of the menstrual cycle on athletes’ performances, the impact of AI on the economy, consequences of medical negligence, and the impact of the Titanic on modern-day society.  Questions posed included ‘Are heroes defined by their time or their attributes?’, ‘What is the greatest effect that VAR has had on the English Premier League since its inception? And ‘Are films the most important factor influencing the general public’s perception of sharks?’

The EPQ is challenging but invaluable preparation for university.  The students that have gone through the process have learnt to use academic citation, source and analyse academic journal articles, keep a reflective research log and thoroughly plan a project. The afternoon was a wonderful way for students to celebrate their achievements.