Over 90 students travelled to the University of York to attend the EPQ Conference. 

The Extended Project Qualification is an opportunity for students to take part in a self-motivated project over a period of time. Students choose a topic that they are passionate about or interested in and explore it in depth. 

Throughout the process they must research and develop their project and the final product can take the form of a written report, a production (event) or an artefact.

This particular qualification is an independent project and requires students to take responsibility and time manage effectively. It is also a step up in working towards a more degree-level of work. The EPQ Conference at the University of York allowed students to think carefully about the project and their approach. 

The conference was a full day of workshops exploring how to narrow their topic and focus their research as well as developing their ability to research and evaluate effectively. 

Moving from the planning stages to the construction of the project itself, the conference also looked at effective ways to take notes as well as the ways in which students will be required to write academically. 

After lunch, students looked at the importance of academic integrity, sources and referencing. Once the project is complete, students are required to present their findings and they discussed the presentation skills which will be required and how to deliver a great academic presentation. 

Last year, students excelled in their EPQ and the poster presentation was incredibly well-received across college - a testament to the hard work that goes in to the projects. 

Students at Ashton Sixth Form College choose to take the EPQ alongside their college study programme and develop an outstanding wealth of skills and confidence in their own abilities moving forward.

The college looks forward to seeing the EPQ poster presentations of 2019.