KEEN Maths student and aspiring software developer Ben Needham has created a computer program that predicts future wind power generation as part of his EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).
The 17-year-old has designed a complex program that uses historic wind generation data to produce predictions for future dates, and its finding have been used in discussions by the high-tech firm supporting his work.
Ben, who is studying for A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science, opted to take an EPQ – a qualification worth the equivalent of half an A Level – to gain experience in (and support his love of) computer programming.
He invested more than 90 hours on the project, conducting extensive research in both wind power and programming techniques, writing an academic report and giving a 20-minute presentation on his findings.
“The EPQ was both challenging and rewarding,” said Ben, From Newcastle. “It was great to focus my work on an area I was really interested in, but at times was frustrating when the code wouldn’t work!”
Ben chose to develop the program with data provided by tech firm Enovate Upstream, where he had previously completed work experience. Enovate Upstream develops software technology that provides companies with reliable decision-making tools using scientific, engineering and financial data.
He explained: “The company provided the old data I needed for the program and, once I had achieved my objective, it then used the findings in discussions with energy organisations in the UK.”
Ben hopes to study Mathematics at university before forging a career in software development. He added: “Taking an EPQ has really given me a taste of what self-study might be like at university, as I had to set deadlines and ensure they were completed to schedule.”
Students at Dame Allan’s Schools can choose to take an EPQ as their ‘super-curriculum’ option, alongside their minimum three A-levels, to broaden their studies. The qualification requires them to dedicate hours of research and analysis into any chosen field of interest (providing it isn’t within the syllabus of one of their A Level subjects) before writing a report and presenting the findings, and any developed ‘artefact’, to an audience.
Dame Allan’s Head of EPQ, Katherine Medway, said there are many benefits to gaining an EPQ qualification. “It is a popular choice because it gives students the chance to develop their skills and knowledge, while also impressing universities,” she said.
“An EPQ can be worth anywhere up to 28 UCAS points, so is great to include on a UCAS application and could help a student meet the conditions of a university offer, in addition to providing them with transferable skills for university study, such as research, academic writing and management.
“It also gives students the opportunity to produce a piece of work that is truly individual and allows them to demonstrate a passion for the subject, as Ben has shown in computer programming.”