Congratulations to this year’s Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) boys who achieved a spectacular set of results with an impressive 87% achieving A*to A grades and 100% A* to B.
The EPQ, along with the Bedford School Independent Project (BSIP), offers boys the opportunity to delve into topics of their choice, fostering skills such as research, critical thinking and planning. These projects are undertaken in addition to the boys’ Sixth Form studies, allowing them to explore their passions in depth.
Upper Sixth Former Adrian Lok, who achieved an A*, focused his project on the 1967 Hong Kong riots. His dissertation, titled “How did the 1967 riots influence the political and social development of Hong Kong up to the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984?”, explored a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s history. Adrian shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I am interested in studying History and International Relations at university. The 1967 riots marked a significant turning point in the former colonial history of Hong Kong. They were not merely domestic events but also part of a broader global context, including Sino-British relations and the dynamics of the Cold War, which I find particularly intriguing as they illustrate the complex interplay between local incidents and global politics.
I enjoyed working on a project about a topic I was genuinely interested in, which was not covered in the school curriculum. Through reading, researching and compiling materials, I was able to dive deeper into the subject, making the entire process enjoyable and rewarding. The EPQ has been a beneficial learning experience for me. Through the process, I have developed the ability to research independently and have become more self-disciplined in managing the entire project. It has also equipped me with invaluable research skills that will be highly beneficial for my future academic work.”
Upper Sixth Former Trystan Wright, who also gained an A*, took a different approach by creating an artefact for his EPQ. He designed and manufactured a green urban space to support insects and other creatures, aiming to educate people about the importance of preserving these species. Trystan explained, “I chose this project to deepen my understanding and knowledge of sustainable environmental product design. This is because I would like to study Product Design at university. I enjoyed the freedom and independence that it gave me compared to my other subjects. To add to this, the enjoyment of building a product for a client and seeing their feelings at the end of the project was very satisfying.”
Luke Rogers, Deputy Head (Academic), praised the boys’ achievements, saying, “We are immensely proud of our EPQ students who have earned an outstanding set of grades, showcasing their remarkable curiosity and dedication. They have demonstrated exceptional academic enthusiasm and persistence in their research and writing, skills that will undoubtedly benefit them in their future academic pursuits.”
In the Sixth Form, boys have the option to undertake either the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or the Bedford School Independent Project (BSIP). Both projects allow boys to explore a topic of their choice. The EPQ is a nationally recognised qualification, which can be advantageous for university applications, and is assessed externally. It offers flexibility in project types, including dissertations, artefacts and investigations.
The BSIP is unique to Bedford School and is tailored to the interests and needs of the boys undertaking it. It is assessed internally by school staff, providing personalised feedback and support.
Both options provide valuable experiences that prepare boys for higher education and future careers, with the choice depending on individual preferences and goals.
