8 December 2025
Mr Rahul Gupta, Second-in-Kritikos
Kritikos* students in Years 9 and 10 have spent the term finalising their projects for the AQA Level 1 Project Qualification, which is essentially a Junior EPQ. At last week’s presentation evenings, the students showcased their chosen research titles in an impressive demonstration of the depth of their inquiry and the progress they have made as young scholars.
For many the AQA Level 1 Project Qualification represents their first experience of GCSE level accreditation. Throughout the programme, they have followed a structured curriculum that develops the skills modern learners need: independent research, project management, critical evaluation, effective presentation and confident communication.
These are capabilities that matter more than ever in a world shaped by rapid technological change and increasingly sophisticated AI. The Kritikos programme gives students the foundations to think independently, question sources, manage long-term projects, and present their findings with clarity.
The fascinating Junior EPQ projects and their authors are listed below.
Can captivity ever meet the mental, emotional and social needs of orcas? – Freya, Year 10
To what extent is modern healthcare over-reliant on technology and what are its risks? – Farah, Year 9
To what extent does mental illness affect the likelihood of crime? – Ava, Year 9
What are the ethics surrounding the ownership of space, and the utilisation of resources in space? – Anjali, Year 9
To what extent do dreams reveal the relationship between the subconscious and conscious mind? - Lilia S, Year 9
To what extent is it ethical to clone if it is used to assist humans with grieving? – Elizabeth, Year 9
Can we reach our net zero goals by 2050? – Simran, Year 9
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Compiled and Interpreted Programming Languages? – Katy, Year 9
*Kritikos is the name for Woldingham’s programme for academic scholars in Years 7-11. Kritikos aims to encourage critical flexibility and nurture independent and enquiring minds.