Skip to main navigation Skip to main content
The University of Southampton
The Learn With US Transition Programme

Virtual EPQ Conference 2020

Since 2018, the Learn with US Transition team have had the privilege of welcoming teaching colleagues to the University's Highfield Campus for our EPQ Teachers’ conference. This event has brought together EPQ practitioners from across the country; facilitating discussions about the key benefits and challenges of delivering the EPQ, enabling the dissemination of best practice, and providing an opportunity for EPQ co-ordinators and supervisors to foster a network of colleagues from outside their own schools and colleges.

In 2020, the University of Southampton were due to jointly host the conference with colleagues from the University of Leeds, with whom we have fostered a collaborative working relationship regarding the EPQ, but unfortunately the ongoing Covid-19 situation meant the event could not proceed.

In its place, we developed a series of videos reflecting the content that was due to take place at the conference. These can be viewed below, at your leisure.

Keynote: Social mobility and the EPQ

Hosts: Prof. Abigail Harrison-Moore, Professor of Art History and Museum Studies, University of Leeds, Dr Emma Thompson, Learn with US Transition Leader, University of Southampton

A keynote talk presented by Abigail and Emma exploring key issues regarding educational inequity and how the EPQ can have effects on learning, social mobility, and widening participation to Higher Education.

A full transcript of the keynote is available here .

Q&A: Support for new EPQ practitioners

Hosts: Dr Richard Penny, Learn with US Transition Officer, University of Southampton, Sarah Rainey, Senior Outreach Officer, University of Leeds

Guests: Jennifer Obaditch, Head of Curriculum, Business, Economics and Projects, AQA, Dr Mark Nolan, EPQ Co-Ordinator, South Wilts Grammar School

Jennifer and Mark provide insight and top tips for new coordinators and supervisors delivering the EPQ in their schools. The session starts with presentations delivered by both speakers, and then leads into a Q&A led by Sarah and Richard.

A full transcript of the Q&A is available here .

Discussion: Embedding the EPQ/HPQ in school culture

Host: Dr Emma Thompson, Learn with US Transition Leader, University of Southampton

Guest: Jenny Clements, EPQ Co-ordinator, Sweyne Park School

A conversation between Jenny and Emma Thompson reflecting on how to successfully embed HPQ/EPQ into school culture to ensure students get the best experience when undertaking their projects.

The full transcript of the discussion is available here .

Q&A: EPQ artefacts - dispelling the myths (part 1)

Hosts: Dr Becki Nash, Learn with US Transition Officer, University of Southampton, Matthew Elliott, Senior Outreach Officer, University of Leeds

Guest: Jennifer Obaditch, Head of Curriculum, Business, Economics and Projects, AQA

Jennifer provides a short presentation on supporting artefacts from the perspective of AQA, with focus on some of the commonly asked questions about artefacts and what makes a successful artefact.

A full transcript of the Q&A is available here .

Q&A: EPQ artefacts - dispelling the myths (part 2)

Hosts: Matthew Elliott, Senior Outreach Officer, University of Leeds; Dr Becki Nash, Learn with US Transition Officer, University of Southampton

Guests: Alec Lee, EPQ Co-ordinator, Derby High School; Sarah Leach and Ros Porter, EPQ Co-ordinators, Balcarras School

Alec, Sarah and Ros offer perspectives on artefacts from the view of an EPQ co-ordinator, addressing some commonly asked questions about supporting artefacts and what makes a successful artefact.

A full transcript of the Q&A is available here .

The teams at Southampton and Leeds hope that you find these videos insightful and informative. We would value and appreciate your feedback, and any content you would like to see addressed at future events. We have put together a short feedback survey here , where you can also register your interest in future EPQ Teachers' Conferences.

Privacy Settings