St Edmund's
Question…
What do Stormzy, Formula One and the microbiota-gut-brain axis have in common?
Answer…
They have all been research topics studied by St Edmund’s students for their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
I am a huge supporter of this qualification and it has been a tremendous success since we introduced it at St Edmund’s in 2013.
It is the equivalent of an AS Level (half an A Level) and is usually undertaken during the Lower Sixth year. It enables students to pick a topic for themselves and conduct supported research to explore and develop their interests. It is highly thought of by universities and is excellent preparation for degree level study. The project eventually receives an AS grade and UCAS points.
However, the main reason for taking an EPQ is simply to foster a joy of learning.
Sixth formers should think of the EPQ as a chance to shine beyond the standard A-Level subjects. It’s an opportunity to dive deep into something you genuinely care about – whether it’s climate change, artificial intelligence, fashion design, sports psychology, or literally anything else that fascinates you.
One of the biggest advantages? Freedom. Unlike most school assignments, you choose the topic. It’s your project, your voice, your vision. That means you’re more likely to stay motivated because you actually want to explore your subject.
On top of that, the EPQ boosts your research, writing, presentation, and time management skills. You’ll learn how to structure arguments, evaluate sources, and reference properly – which gives you a serious head start for university-level work. You will also be encouraged to think differently and develop your own insights and solutions.
Plus, there’s something really rewarding about seeing a final project that you created from scratch. It gives you confidence and self-belief.
Have a look at some of the recent research projects undertaken by our students:
– How have mandatory regulation changes in Formula One since 2014 affected innovation and competition in the sport?
– The secret war in Laos 1954-1974: historical and political analysis of the influence of aid workers Edgar Buell and Dr Thomas Dooley
– Has the use of data analytics in competitive tennis led to an improvement in the quality of tennis and accelerated players’ development?
– How reliable are forensic techniques as evidence? An investigation into possible inaccuracies in the techniques considering the scientific method and relevant US case studies from the past 100 years
– Was marketing greed or regulatory failure the biggest impact in the rise of OxyContin abuse in the USA, following its introduction to the market in 1996?
– Was the influence of American Rock n Roll music of the 1950s on British pop artists of the 1960s the most significant inspiration behind the success of The British Invasion?
– To what extent is Slowthai more or less influential as a political artist in the 21st century than Stormzy?
– Is the Second Amendment compatible with modern American society?
– A Gut Instinct: Is there a role for the microbiota-gut-brain axis in depression?
– The Right to Buy: What have the consequences been for the UK Housing Market, 1980-2021?
– Women and crime: Is criminology gender-blind?
– The Evolution of the cricket helmet
– Is it true that the ethical and legal challenges, rather than the technological challenges, are preventing the production of self-driving cars?
If you are interested in EPQ or other Sixth Form opportunities at St Edmund’s, please contact us at admissions@stedmunds.org.uk
Ed O’Connor
Head