Year 13 Students Showcase Independent Research in EPQ Presentations 

13th October 2025

Westonbirt Sixth Form’s latest cohort of EPQ students have successfully completed their independent research projects, presenting their findings on topics ranging from gene editing ethics to historical piracy in the South China Sea. 

Seven ambitious Year 13 students recently took to the stage for their final presentations, marking the culmination of months of independent research and academic inquiry through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). 

Opening the evening, Mrs Franklin, EPQ supervisor at Westonbirt, welcomed the audience: “We are absolutely delighted to see so many of you here and can promise you a wonderful, intellectually stimulating evening ahead. We have something for everyone today, from queen Cleopatra to genetic engineering, and I know you are going to enjoy yourselves immensely.” 

A Rigorous Academic Journey 

The presentations represented the final stage of a demanding academic process. Each student chose their own topic, conducted extensive research, and produced a 5000-word essay before presenting their findings and reflecting on their journey.

This year’s cohort tackled an impressive range of subjects. Students examined the economic effects of immigration on destination countries, investigated the ethical considerations surrounding CRISPR gene editing as a treatment for sickle cell disease, and explored the historical accuracy of Shakespeare’s portrayal of Cleopatra. Another student addressed the debate around legalising euthanasia in the UK.

Other presentations explored why treatment for schizophrenia differs between Western and Eastern approaches, the economic impact of piracy on the mid-Qing dynasty, and how political developments have affected women’s rights in Afghanistan over the past 25 years.

Mrs Franklin explained: “I am a passionate advocate for the EPQ process as it teaches Sixth Form students so many invaluable skills which equip them to stride out into the world. It requires academic curiosity, a willingness to learn new skills, a lot of self-discipline and self-motivation, the ability to take and act on feedback, resilience and a great deal of commitment. Miss Morris and I are extremely proud of these seven students and their achievements to date. This is why we as educators do what we do, so that we can support students to challenge themselves academically and to achieve their full potential.” 

The evening’s format allowed each student ten minutes to present, followed by five minutes of questions from the audience, an integral part of the assessment process that tests students’ ability to defend their research and think critically under pressure. 

Developing University-Ready Skills 

One student reflected on their experience: “Working on my EPQ has been such a rewarding experience. I’ve learnt how to balance deadlines, plan my essay and use my notes for research, as well as focus on an area I’m truly passionate about, which has made the whole process so valuable.” 

The EPQ is a Level 3 qualification that sits alongside A Levels and carries up to 28 UCAS points. More importantly, it demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and the ability to manage extended independent work, qualities that distinguish applicants in competitive university admissions. 

Previous EPQ students from Westonbirt have gone on to study at some of the UK’s most prestigious universities, with recent destinations including Oxford (Jurisprudence), Durham (Natural Sciences and Liberal Arts), St Andrews (Medicine), and Edinburgh (History of Art). 

At Westonbirt, the EPQ embodies our commitment to academic excellence. For intellectually curious students ready to challenge themselves, it offers a rewarding opportunity to explore their passions in depth, develop invaluable research and public speaking skills, and strengthen their university applications.