EPQ

[doglover]

The sixth form college that my dd will probably attend offer the EPQ. I've read the somewhat brief information supplied but wondered if any of you wise women could add some details. Her strengths are in English and History: do they choose an area of study related to a curriculum area or is it a free choice? Can you give me some examples of EPQ titles or types of study? TIA

There is another EPQ thread in the Higher Education section which might answer some of your questions.
HTH.

The student chooses their own title, the main rule being that they cannot choose something that they study in class. So if she is studying WW2 for example in history, she could not easily do a WW2 project, but the board would prefer her to do a different era.

Students study a range of topics, and I've read loads from the physics of boomerang throwing, the psychology of serial killers through to feminism in the media.

I coordinate this where I work, so feel free to ask questions. However, your daughter is likely to be guided towards choosing her title, but usually a question works best, as some of the marks are on the conclusions reached, and so you want to avoid anything overly descriptive. Ideally, she wants something where she can argue her case.

Thanks for your replies. I'll find the other thread and peruse.

That's really useful info, Lecherrs - will probably be in touch in the future with some more questions.

Thanks again.

Our experience is that dd enjoyed it, got a bril result etc but ultimately it wasn't helpful in uni applications - Oxbridge / Russell group ( history in her case).

I think she wouldn't bother if she had to choose again.

Think what you are gaining from the added, not inconsiderable, workload. Don't do it just because it's what school expects/ for their statistics.

DS didn't bother. He needed / needs stellar A2 grades.

Although, Theas18 the benefits are not always obvious. For example, there was a student who was offered a place at LSE, and his offer did not include the EPQ. He therefore decided to drop doing the EPQ, and LSE rescinded their offer to him.

Turns out, whilst the EPQ didn't form part of his offer, he was offered a place because he did the EPQ. LSE didn't let him in until he had completed the EPQ. The exam board told me that. Just because it is not part of the offer, does not mean it doesn't help with their applications. Many universities explicitly state that.

One of the best reasons to do it, imo, is that it gives the student skills for university, rather than that it gets you in directly. Therefore the degree may go better.

In her PS DD talked about her EPQ project, which was linked into what she wanted to study at uni. She didn't mention things like her DOE gold (you don't get many words on the PS) but did talk about the project and what she had learned from it.

I agree with Phineyj that the EPQ helps develop study skills, DD also learnt about referencing and how to evaluate sources.