The EPQ allows students to lead their own projects. Students get to plan and carry out research on a topic that they've chosen and isn't covered by their other qualifications. They can take inspiration from something touched on in class or something personal and unrelated to their studies. They then use this research to produce a written report and, in the case of practical projects, an artefact or a production. By taking responsibility for the choice, design and decision making of an individual project (or an individual role in a group project) students:  become more critical, reflective and independent learners  develop and apply decision-making and problem-solving skills  increase their planning, research, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills  learn to apply technologies confidently  demonstrate creativity, initiative and enterprise.