Over 400 A Level students came together to test their presenting skills for Project A Presentation Day, a lively conference-style research showcase.
Project A is completed by all first-year A Level students, giving them the opportunity to dive into a topic they’re really passionate about and demonstrate the time management, critical thinking and report writing skills that they’ll need to thrive at university and in the world of work.
An incredible 225 students were awarded Gold grades for showing exceptional levels of rigour in their research process and delivering their presentations with eloquent enthusiasm.
The presentations covered an impressive array of academic disciplines and issues, from how our taste in music is shaped by social and cultural pressures to the impact of sports injuries on athletes’ mental health – with all of the students finding creative ways to visualise their research findings.
Imogen Birtwistle, 17, who is currently studying A Levels in English Language, English Literature and Media Studies, was eager to use her project to explore nuanced linguistic concepts that go beyond the curriculum of her core subjects.
She shared:
“I attended an Applicant Preview Day before coming to Burnley College where we discussed the etymology of the word ‘avocado’ and became really interested in understanding how language develops & evolves.
“This project allowed me to focus on the technical side of language (e.g. word order) and read about more advanced theory like Zipf’s Law and Noam Chomsky’s universal grammar approach.”
Nelly Willacy, 16, similarly found that Project A gave her the opportunity to apply her knowledge from A Levels in Law, Psychology and Criminology in a new, exciting context:
“My project focused on the extent to which UK prisons act as breeding grounds for criminal behaviour. I was surprised at just how prevalent issues like overcrowding and lack of rehabilitative support are right now.
“I’ve enjoyed being able to apply social learning theory, which we discuss in my A Level Psychology classes, to a real world problem.”
Several of the presenters also emphasised that Project A has been an advantageous first step in their journey towards their dream careers.
Alisha Shaffi, 17, is looking to progress to a degree apprenticeship in the fast-paced accounting & finance sector. She reflected:
“I found the statistical analysis that I did to understand the links between the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health issues among young people and the impact that period of time has had on their education to be extremely interesting.
“These are skills – research using tools like Google Scholar, communication, project planning – that I’ll definitely be able to use in the future.”
Jess Livesey, 16, has ambitions to become a criminal investigator and shared that Project A has been a massive boost to her confidence both academically and socially:
“The career I want to go in to is largely a people-based role.
“I’ve previously struggled with anxiety when it comes to public speaking, so being able to present this project has been a challenge – one that I’m really proud of myself for overcoming.”
Project A is just one of the many exciting enrichment opportunities offered to students at Burnley College to support them to explore new interested and develop valuable transferable skills.
Oliver Nutter, 17, is currently studying A Levels in Physical Education, Business and Mathematics and is also part of our Elite Athlete Programme – a specially designed pathway that gives him access to tailored training and support from professional athletes with an international reputation for success alongside his core subjects.
He shared:
“My project has enhanced my knowledge of the risks to their mental health that athletes face when it comes to managing injuries, as it isn’t a topic that is covered in the standard A Level P.E. curriculum.
“I’m hopeful that this will give me a competitive edge when it comes to applying to university, as well as supporting my own development as a competitive swimmer.”
Iain Mcghie, an A Levels Curriculum Principal at Burnley College, commended the academic talent and professionalism shown by all of the students who presented:
“It was inspiring to see students talking so passionately about areas of interest that were personal to them.
“The enthusiasm of the learners and the professionalism of their presentations were both commented on widely by the staff adjudicating them, and the amount of work that learners put into their projects shows a level of dedication to their studies that we’re immensely proud of.”
Explore our unrivalled facilities, talk to expert tutors and find out where A Levels at Burnley College can take you at our next Open Evening on Tuesday 10th February 2026.
Book your place here: https://www.burnley.ac.uk/whats-on/events/burnley-college-sixth-form-centre-open-evening-10-feb-2026/
