IHS EPQ (Year 8)

What is the EPQ?

Imagine, going for an interview for college, university or a job, when asked what experience you had beyond the usual schooling a student receives and you respond with: 

‘In addition to hundreds of enrichment opportunities developing a range of employment and life skills like communication, problem solving and self-awareness, while in year 8, I studied charities and volunteering. I investigated how they function as well as what they contribute to the world around us.  I then organised and ran a fundraising event which developed a plethora of skills including organisation, communication and decision making before raising £XXX for a charity of my groups choosing.’

Or words to that effect!  Sounds much more powerful than what the vast majority will say about their time in school!

The Year 8 extended project is designed to develop characteristics that will benefit students once they leave IHS as well as their time here.  It provides skills that employers are informing us students are lacking when they look to progress into the world of work.  We aim to develop students beyond the purely academic, giving students real world experiences and life expectations.  What better way to develop this than through the work of Charities and Volunteering.  

This project will develop a number of skills and qualities that will make IHS students stand out from the crowd, provide them with transferable skills that will make them more employable and, give experiences that will remain with them for life.

All students in Year 8 will undertake this course through Tutor time activities, careers week, Enrichment opportunities and the organising and running of a fund raising event.  Students will learn about charities and volunteering before putting this knowledge into practise.  They will then run a fundraising event in a team.  This event will be open to numerous stakeholders and form part of the qualification.  

Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to gain higher tier qualifications through a process of additional volunteering opportunities, therefore, contributing back to the communities that they live in.

We believe this qualification is an excellent opportunity for all and we are very excited to offer this to the students at our school.  

We expect students to do their utmost to engage with the in school sessions.  The additional, optional aspects will change the qualification level and certification issued at the start of y9, this will reflect the level of commitment offered by each student individually beyond the prescribed.  

What contribution will you make to your team and the wider society around you?