The Ashbourne GCSE Mini EPQ: Start Preparing for University in Year 10
At Ashbourne College, we believe that preparing for top university applications should start early. That is why all our GCSE students take part in a structured independent project called the GCSE Mini EPQ. This unique initiative mirrors the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) taken in sixth form, giving you a head start on the academic skills and mindset you’ll need to thrive at A-level and beyond.
What Is the Ashbourne GCSE Mini EPQ?
During each year of the GCSE programme at Ashbourne, you will take on an online course in a subject area that sparks your interest. This could be anything from engineering or psychology to ecology or creative writing. With full guidance and support, you’ll learn how to take notes effectively, explore a variety of sources, and build a deeper understanding of your chosen topic.
As your knowledge grows, you will prepare a presentation to share with teachers and classmates. This is a chance to practise public speaking, strengthen your communication skills, and gain confidence in presenting your own ideas. Students have explored an exciting range of subjects in the past, from scriptwriting for television and web series, to ecosystem dynamics and conservation, and even the fundamentals of engineering design. Whether your passion lies in the arts, sciences, or more technical areas, the project allows you to dive into what excites you most.
Build the Skills You’ll Need for Sixth Form and University
The GCSE Mini EPQ is far more than a single academic project, it is a chance to develop the skills you’ll need to succeed in the years ahead. By working independently, you’ll learn how to research effectively, think critically about information, and organise your ideas through clear note-taking and summarising. You’ll also gain experience in planning and delivering presentations, which will give you an edge both in the classroom and beyond.
These are the very abilities that will prepare you for the challenges of A-level study and help you stand out when it comes to university applications. The Mini EPQ is therefore not just about what you learn, but about how you learn, and how you grow into a confident, independent thinker.
Write Your First UCAS-Style Paragraph
As part of the project, you’ll also write a UCAS-style paragraph reflecting on your experience. This gives you the chance to think about what you learned, why it matters to you, and how it connects to your academic goals.
It’s an excellent way to practise the kind of reflective writing you’ll need for your UCAS personal statement. You’ll come away with valuable content, and the confidence to express it clearly.
Why It Matters
The GCSE Mini EPQ is your chance to take ownership of your learning, build academic confidence, and begin shaping your future. For some students, it deepens an existing passion. For others, it sparks interest in a whole new subject.
By the time you reach Year 12, you won’t just be ready for A-levels, you’ll have a stronger sense of who you are as a learner, what motivates you, and how to express this in your university application.
At Ashbourne, we help you think big from the very beginning. With independent study, expert guidance, and thoughtful reflection, the GCSE Mini EPQ helps you take your first real steps toward academic excellence and university success.
1. What is the Ashbourne GCSE Mini EPQ?
The GCSE Mini EPQ is an independent project completed by all Ashbourne College GCSE students. It mirrors the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) taken in sixth form, helping students build early skills in research, presentation, and reflective writing.
2. How does the GCSE Mini EPQ help with university preparation?
The project develops key skills such as critical thinking, independent study, and communication, which are highly valued by universities. Students also practise reflective writing through a UCAS-style paragraph, giving them a head start on personal statements.
3. What subjects can students choose for the GCSE Mini EPQ?
Students can explore any subject area that interests them, from psychology and engineering to creative writing or ecology. This flexibility allows them to pursue passions or discover new areas of curiosity.
4. How is the GCSE Mini EPQ assessed?
Students present their findings to teachers and classmates, building public speaking and presentation skills. They also complete a written reflection, focusing on how the project connects to their academic goals.