EPQ Students Gain First-Hand Research Experience at Lancaster University

Year 12 students from Westholme School enjoyed an enriching and highly valuable visit to Lancaster University this week as part of their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) programme.

Welcomed by the university’s library team, students were introduced to academic-level research methods designed to support the early stages of their EPQ journey. Having recently refined their individual project titles, students are currently exploring an impressive range of topics, from the mechanical engineering of Formula 1 cars and Fourier Analysis in musical instruments, to Salahuddin’s strategic decisions during the Crusades and the impact of the global financial crisis on modern banking.

During the visit, students were given guided access to Lancaster University’s extensive academic resources, including a catalogue of over half a million journals and sources, available both digitally and within the impressive library stacks. Academic staff provided valuable guidance on effective research techniques, referencing and the correct use of citations;  essential skills that underpin success at both EPQ level and beyond.

Alongside their time in the library, students also enjoyed touring the wider university campus, taking the opportunity to ask questions about life at higher education and what to expect when transitioning from school to university study.

A particular highlight of the day came when the group met two Westholme alumni currently studying at Lancaster University: Michaela, a first-year Medicine student, and Hannah, now in her final year studying Economics. Both former students achieved the highest marks in their EPQ projects during Sixth Form and spoke to students about how the qualification helped prepare them for the academic independence and research demands of university life.

The visit proved to be an insightful and highly beneficial experience, with students returning to school equipped with a wealth of research material, new academic skills and increased confidence as they move forward with their EPQ projects.