The very first Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) evening was held at NHEHS on 7^th February. The evening was to celebrate the girls’ success in completing the Extended Project.

An EPQ is an independent research project which involves writing an essay of around 5,000 words, or creating a product and must be accompanied by extensive research, a written report and a presentation. It is designed for 6^th Formers and enables students to develop their abilities to learn independently, use their learning experiences to support their plans for further study or career development as well as transfer skills developed as part of the project to other areas of study. It can also add considerable value to university applications. When selecting a project, girls are encouraged to consider a wide variety of ideas for inspiration, including their hobbies/interests, current affairs, but also their career/university course aspirations or which A level they would have liked to take but did not.

Year 13 students were invited to the evening to attend a variety of presentations given by the Year 13 EPQ candidates, who were assessed by their supervisors. Parents and governors were also invited to the event, as were Year 11 girls who were considering studying for an EPQ in the future.

Fifteen candidates presented on a wide variety of topics ranging from the latest tech to ancient history to fashion via semantics, including:

• What problems do Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence pose on British law and ethics?

• To what extent is western post-modern society responsible for the increase in body dysmorphic psychosomatic illnesses?

• To what extent were women’s rights erased by the Norman Conquest of 1066?

• Where do words get their meaning?

• Gray Area: Imagining Eileen Gray’s Sketchbook from 1926 to 1929

• How has culture and traditions impacted Somali integration into London?

• Is Extroversion Affected More by Environment or Physiology?

• To what extent does personality type have an effect on belief in Conspiracy Theories?

A drinks reception followed the presentations, as did the opportunity for further discussions amongst the girls and parents.

This inaugural event proved a great success and plans are already afoot for a Year 12 EPQ event this June!