epq inspiration

Our current Year 12 cohort began their Study & Research Skills course earlier this term, and many will elect to study for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) that we offer, as we shared last week.

Yesterday, It was fantastic that one of our current Year 13 EPQ students, Ghelila, who aims to study Medicine, delivered an inspirational presentation to Year 12 on the many benefits of studying for the EPQ, and on her own research project: To what extent is homesickness a medical issue amongst refugees and asylum seekers in the UK?

Ghelia guided Year 12 through the origins of her research and her personal investment in the issue, and how her research began with an article she produced on the topic for our school magazine, Perspectives.

Ghelila had originally planned to research vaping, but as she advised Year 12, it is far more productive to engage in research in a topic that not only chimes with your academic and professional aspirations, but that resonates personally, as your passion for the subject will be demonstrable in your work.

Ghelila discussed the relevance of the EPQ to her aspirations and university application to medical school, and guided her audience through the many primary and secondary sources she deployed, and the survey she conducted amongst the Eritrean community.

She spoke about the challenges and strengths of the research conducted, and the processes of findings, analysis, evaluation, and reflection.

Ghelila also gave insightful and informative advice on time management, and on what strategies had been most productive for her personally.

As EPQ staff lead Mr Connell observed following the presentation, Ghelila is an excellent role model for aspiring EPQ students, and we look forward to sharing updates on the progress of our current cohort.

With huge thanks to Ghelila for her excellent presentation, and to Mr Connell for organising the opportunity for our students.