The EPQ, Extra Curricular Activities and The Tripos

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

All A Level students are encouraged to complete the EPQ. In the first term of Year 12 there are twenty hours of directed time – that is, lessons with teachers – in which students learn how to research a topic, manage their time, use libraries effectively, make notes, avoid plagiarism and create references. For students who decide to complete the course, ten additional teacher-led hours are available as well as time for personal study, writing and reflection. Everything is completed by the end of Year 12.

For more information, visit: www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/projects/aqa-certificate/EPQ-7993

Extra curricular activities

A rich variety of extra-curricular activities takes place before school starts, at lunchtime or after school as well as at weekends. Each term an activities fair takes place which allows students to find out what is on offer.

Mrs Julie Hughes is Assistant Head, Co-curricular and can be contacted via email: julie.hughes@rhsb.gdst.net. Peripatetic lessons in Music can be arranged via the Head of Music, Mr Mark Bradbury (m.bradbury@rhsb. gdst.net). Speech and Drama lessons are also available; please contact our Head of Drama, Mrs Ishani Thorpe (i.thorpe@rhsb.gdst.net) for further information.

The Tripos

Launched in September 2019 and administered by Mr Ben Lacey, the Tripos is a school-run qualification that forms an exciting strand within the extracurricular activities offered within the Sixth Form.

It comprises three elements:

- Civitas, that is, volunteering in order to help others;

- Conatas, a challenge element;

- Curiositas, a strand designed to promote an inquisitive mindset.

The aim of the Tripos is to promote engagement and ambition beyond the limits of the curriculum. The Tripos will be awarded to girls who fulfil set criteria in each of the three strands. For more information, please contact Mr Lacey (b.lacey@rhsb.gdst.net).