Cyber Super Star

Cardinal Newman graduate, Emma McCaffery achieved the highest possible grade gaining full marks in her Cyber EPQ, the only person in the whole country to achieve this feat!  

Emma, who decided to add the Cyber EPQ to her studies, alongside her A-Level subjects during her second year at Cardinal Newman, went on to achieve a grade A*.  

Emma wanted to study the Cyber EPQ because she has an interest in Cyber security specifically, but in technology as a whole and felt that the opportunity to expand her knowledge and experience in this area, whilst gaining an additional qualification was one she couldn’t pass up. Picking up the EPQ, which is equal to half an A-Level, the former Leyland St Mary’s pupil studied this alongside her A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science. 

She is now progressing to Lancaster University to study Computer Science, and her qualification in Cyber EPQ was instrumental in securing her place to study at Lancaster, one of the UK’s best universities. 

At Cardinal Newman, the Cyber EPQ is offered to students in their second year of studies. Initially it was only offered to Computer Science students but this year we have also opened it up to Maths students.  

To be considered for the Cyber EPQ, students must complete an application form at the end of the first year to demonstrate their interest in the subject and are then chosen by a panel of teachers.  

Head of Computer Science Chris Carberry said: “Following on from the success of the course, we expect to be able to continue to expand our offering each year to more and more students as it is very popular and hugely successful. Last year, 95% of our students achieved a high grade (A*-B) and as a College we were placed amongst the top 5 centres in the UK based on our results.” 

Currently there are no grade requirements in order to be considered for the Cyber EPQ, but we are however looking for the most committed students, which is why the course runs in the second year. 

Emma said: “My advice to people considering studying a Cyber EPQ would be to make a plan and stick to it, to prevent feeling overwhelmed with the modules and research. For the essay, pick a topic that you find interesting that can be linked to Cyber Security.  

“I will miss the welcoming environment at college, as well as the extremely helpful tutors and other students who helped me along the way.” 

We could not be prouder of Emma and we wish her all the very best in her future, which we know will be very bright!