b'Alices EPQ sets shining exampleAlice Parton (Year 13) has had her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) research project picked as an example of outstanding work by the AQA exam board with her project to create jewellery from antique silver spoons she bought locally.Alice made rings, earrings and bracelets as part of her EPQ in Year 12 and said she wanted to create something that would give a new use to a product that already exists demonstrating a valid business model for the Reduce, Re-use, Recycle philosophy.She explained, My initial ideas for up-cycling antique silverware into modern and sustainable jewellery simply came from the idea that I wanted a spoon ring! Initial resources, including social media, helped me develop my first ring, and after some trial and error I learnt I needed a more malleable material such as sterling silver. I learnt lots about different hallmarks and what they mean, also about foreign silverware and how to use my time more efficiently when making the rings. After time my ideas developed into earrings and pendants too. One of the key resources throughout my project was interviewing professional jewellers such as Peggy Bourne, she showed me some of her work which helped inspire to inspire my designs. Alongside my EPQ project I set up a small business of selling the rings where I learnt how to keep organised in order to stay on top of the costs. I also learnt the importance of having good reviews and customer satisfaction. Regular meetings with my EPQ teacher, Mr. Orr, helped me keep my project on track with the EPQ syllabus, aiding me to reach my full potential in my artefact and accompanying essay, and I am thrilled to hear that AQA moderators have said my work is an example of an outstanding EPQ project.Alice, who is the fourth generation Parton to attend Ellesmere College, is also studying Art, Psychology and Biology at A Level and is an accomplished equestrian.The annual Sixth Form Open Evening goes virtualThe annual Sixth Form Open Evening usually takes place in the Lent Term and is aimed at informing all students currently in Year 11 about the benefits of attending the Sixth Form at Ellesmere College. However, this year visitors were not be able to attend the event in person.So instead, we adapted to the pandemic by making the Open Evening virtual and the information will stay online permanently, so parents and pupils can visit any time they like through this link: Sixth Form ChoicesWe have created the online Sixth Form evening with an innovative approach, utilising digital media and students own perspectives on all of the courses that are available; A Level, International Baccalaureate (IB) and BTEC as well as the state-of-the-art sports and boarding facilities.The Sixth Form Open Evening is normally an opportunity for parents of current pupils in Middle School, moving up into the Sixth Form, and new parents looking at Ellesmere College for the first time to speak to teachers and other Sixth Form pupils and get a first-hand experience of what the College has to offer.Parents can hear from key members of Sixth Form staff, view presentations by staff and pupils of each subject area and take a virtual walk through the school - an informative tour which will acquaint them of the extensive facilities.Ellesmere College Newsletter Summer 2021 37'