ONE York student has turned a flight of fancy into a qualification a practical qualification at college.

Akosua Efa is one of more than 90 York College students studying the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A-level, apprenticeships and late start courses at college.

Students have to carry out a sustained project on a subject of real interest to them, and in Akosua’s case she has presented on the subject of ‘techniques for the taming and training of parrots.’

Akosua, formerly from Archbishop Holgate’s CE School, has an AS level in psychology and is currently studying A-levels in biology, chemistry and maths, intending to progress to university in September to study veterinary science.

Concentrating on the Step Up method of parrot training, Akosua used academic research to evidence her theories, giving a demonstration in the classroom of parrot behaviour to back up her findings. The method trains parrots to step up onto your hand.

She said: “Combining my interests in psychology and biology, I decided to base my research on a subject that is close to my heart and in so doing I have been able to brush up on my essay writing and research skills.

"These parrots were abandoned three years ago and when we took them in I became interested in their behaviour.

"Having the opportunity to delve into research, and know where to look for resources, it has been a labour of love to present my EPQ. In the future I would like to write a manual on parrot training.”

Hayley McQueen, curriculum performance manager said: “The EQP supports progression to Higher Education and is highly regarded by universities and employers alike, carrying the equivalent UCAS points to half an A Level. It provides a wonderful opportunity for students to research, write about and present a subject of their choosing.”