MEET DR JOHN TAYLOR

DIRECTOR OF LEARNING, TEACHING AND INNOVATION AT CRANLEIGH UK

We are delighted to introduce Dr John Taylor, who is responsible for developing independent learning across the four schools in the Cranleigh family. In addition, he is one of the principal architects of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and is a trained philosopher and physicist. Dr Taylor shares his thoughts on teaching philosophically, the benefits of the EPQ and the importance of the independence of learning.

How did the EPQ materialise?

The EPQ was designed to complement the A Level system by providing a context in which students could assume questions which took them beyond the curriculum, that linked to their own interests, and which would develop valuable skills for the future:

• Independent learning

• Critical thinking and inquiry

• The ability to pursue a question in greater length and depth than is possible within the confines of an exam-based system

Increasingly, it is something that universities recognise as immensely valuable as a preparation for future work and studies at higher education level.

Why is a philosophical view in education important?

Many of the questions that we ask pupils in the classroom are questions which have correct answers. And that is great because no one can deny the importance of having core knowledge. But there is so much more to life and learning than just knowing the right answers. Students need the opportunity to explore the meaning of what they learn, how to live and learn from questions that are not obvious or that do not have an obvious correct answer. And that is where a philosophical approach is key and why philosophical inquiry and project work are central to the Core Curriculum here at Cranleigh. As in philosophy, there is no right answer. Instead, there is an endless debate. This is essential for deeper learning and character development, for learning to live in a complex world where these open-ended questions are increasingly important.

How does the EPQ help nurture futureready students?

The world of the future is going to be a world that is accessible to young people who have creative skills, critical thinking, confidence, and the ability to conquer challenges. And with the best will in the world, the exam system on its own is not a system that develops those skills. Instead, it is a system which rewards good recall of core knowledge. A better context for nurturing young minds is provided by project work, hence why the EPQ is so significant.

What lifelong learning opportunities can the EPQ provide?

We know that students learn better if they are interested in what they are studying. If they can make meaningful choices about the learning process, and if they are allowed to develop a deep understanding. And this is not something that will get you marks in most exams, but in a project, that is precisely the skills we want to see. Time management is also crucial; being able to persist over weeks or months to realise that you might have difficulties along the way and that the first answer you come up with is probably not the correct answer. Again, this is central for students working on an EPQ; that is what they are learning to do, alongside developing other skills such as resilience, learning from mistakes, creative improvisation, and ongoing critical reflection. All are vital for life beyond school.

Any advice on choosing an EPQ topic? advise students to pick a subject which will not just lead to lots of information and answers, but where there is scope for a personal point of view, where they can make a distinctive creative contribution and develop a perspective. This is why the open-ended question is important. Because if there is an open-ended question, your answer could be as valid as anybody else’s. Therefore, we often see EPQ students doing creative work far beyond what they do in any other context. The fruits of this are genuine personal journeys of inquiry, which are both educationally valuable but also personally incredibly significant for that student.

What are the personal benefits of studying the EPQ?

It is immensely empowering for students to develop these skills and know they have them. That when they go to university and into the world of work, they have the tools in the toolkit and the personal confidence that enables them to know can answer exam questions, but I have so much more. And think that complementarity is key here. The EPQ does just that; it extends beyond. It does not replace A Levels in the exam system but gives the learners much more.

WHAT IS THE EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ)?

The EPQ is an independent research project that challenges students to extend their abilities. It is typically a written dissertation, but it could take the form of an artwork, design project performance or scientific investigation. The EPQ is equivalent to half an A Level, and all Cranleigh Abu Dhabi students take the EPQ in addition to three or four A Levels.