Celebrating Our Upper Sixth EPQ Success at Loretto School
At Loretto School, we are absolutely thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of our Upper Sixth pupils in this year’s Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Their outstanding results are a true testament to their creativity, inquisitive curiosity, commitment, enthusiasm, and resilience.
Delving into a rich and diverse range of subjects, a total of 11 exceptional students from our Upper Sixth added to their accomplishments by completing the EPQ this year, earning an impressive array of top grades. Their results highlight the extraordinary effort, individuality, and passion our students poured into their projects and reflect the excellence that Loretto pupils consistently achieve.
What is the EPQ?
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is no ordinary qualification. Respected by universities and equivalent to half an A-level, it offers students the chance to explore a subject they’re truly passionate about through a deep dive into independent study and research. Unlike traditional assessments, the EPQ allows pupils to follow their own curiosity and branch out into the world of independent research, producing either a 5,000-word extended essay or a practical project, such as creating an artifact, alongside a 1,000-word written report.
The EPQ isn’t just about writing essays or creating projects; it’s a personal growth journey. Students learn and develop vital skills that will serve them well beyond school—such as research methods, project management, and formal presentation techniques—all while being supported by a dedicated supervisor. Whether it’s drilling down into the minutiae of a scientific experiment, an exploration of historical events, or even the creation of an artistic masterpiece, the possibilities are endless.
Why the EPQ matters
The EPQ is more than just a qualification; it’s a powerful tool for university applicants. Many universities recognize the EPQ as a mark of academic distinction and will even offer lower entry requirements for students who achieve top grades. It’s a qualification that sets our students apart and demonstrates their ability to handle independent, in-depth research—an essential skill for success in higher education.
But the benefits don’t stop there. The EPQ equips students with valuable life skills such as data handling, public speaking, academic referencing, evaluation and critical thinking—all of which will be crucial in whatever career path they choose to pursue.
A Year of Growth and Discovery
From the very beginning, the EPQ challenges pupils to think outside the box, enhancing their critical thinking and analytical skills whilst managing their time effectively. It starts in Lower Sixth, after the October break, and spans nearly a year, with students gradually honing their research skills.
This year subjects ranged from the examination of the evolution of town life in 350AD through to the analysis of pharmaceutical companies’ approach to profit over care, and included the design and creation of AI software for a drone.
As part of their journey, our students attended enriching research skills workshops at the University of Durham and collaborated with the prestigious publishers of *Encyclopedia Britannica*. These experiences helped them refine their ideas and sharpen their academic abilities.
Throughout the year, our pupils learned to set ambitious yet achievable goals, gather data, and present their findings with confidence. The final step? A live presentation to an audience of teachers, peers, and parents—where they showcased not only their findings but also the research process itself. The end result is not just an academic paper or project; it’s an impressive display of the perseverance, resourcefulness, and analytical skills they’ve refined along the way.
A Night of Celebration
The culmination of the EPQ journey is the eagerly awaited Showcase Evening, held in the Ronald Graham Suite at Loretto. This is a special event where students come together to celebrate their achievements, share their research, and reflect on the incredible personal growth they’ve experienced. It’s a wonderful occasion for families, teachers, and peers to come together, admire the depth and originality of each project, and acknowledge the dedication that has gone into every single EPQ.
Congratulations to Our EPQ candidates! Your appetite for learning, determination, and hard work have paid off in spectacular fashion. Your well-deserved results are just the beginning of what we know will be a future filled with achievement. We look forward to watching you continue to shine as you take the next step in your exceptional academic journeys.
Well done, all of you!
Dr Michael Topping – Deputy Head (Academic)
Tom Brautigum – Teacher of History and Politics and EPQ Coordinator