Page 22 - Seaford Sixth Form Experience 2024

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Seaford College Year 12 students have the opportunity to start the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
in our Spring Term.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Matilda Yurtsever
“I found the academic freedom of an EPQ really exciting. I have enjoyed
studying my topic in depth and I have developed skills I can take into university.
My title was ‘Should woolly mammoths be resurrected as part of a large
regeneration scheme?’ I chose it because I like the Ice Age and it linked my
two favourite A Level subjects together – Biology and Geography. My research
showed that this could be the biggest action we could take to reverse climate
change. There are political, ethical and environmental impacts that need to
be considered but, on balance, I think it would be a good project for climate
change. I learnt a lot about myself and the way I like to study.”
Daniel Borland
“I really enjoyed my EPQ on the 2022 eruption of the volcano in Tonga, which
is an underwater eruption that broke many records and was very unusual
for many different reasons, such as the ash plume was the highest that has
been recorded. For research, I contacted someone from the Tongan embassy
in London who helped me and provided me with information that was closer
to the source about impacts on Tonga and what he personally thought the
biggest long-term problem would be. I chose the topic because I’ve always
been interested in volcanology and I’m going to the University of Exeter to study
Geography. My teachers gave me a lot of support and mentored me during my
EPQ; Mr Kimber was great. It helped me with my A Level subjects and I feel I’ve
learnt how to study and prepared me for university.”
One of the many benefits of the EPQ is that it is a qualification based on independence; we actively
encourage students to become self-sufficient, an important skill that will be really important for their
future in higher education.
An EPQ is the equivalent of half an A Level and universities like to see applicants with an EPQ because it
demonstrates that they have independent study skills that will help them succeed at university. Having an
EPQ helps students differentiate themselves in the UCAS applications process.
Many of our students also find that the skills they learn from the EPQ course help them with their Sixth
Form subjects.