Sixth Form EPQ

BRGS Extend Project Qualification (EPQ) The extended project is an opportunity for students to plan and carry out independent research in a subject of their choice under the supervision of a teacher. It is a formally recognised qualification that is the equivalent to half an A level and carries UCAS points.

Why study EPQ? • • • •

This is a completely different qualification which allows you to demonstrate complex skills that are desirable for university entrance and which reflects t It also enhances your ability to learn independently, which is excellent preparation for study beyond ‘A’ level.

In many cases this will be the first time that you have been able to gain a qualification for pursuing one of your own interests.

Some universities (including those from the Russell Group) give reduced offers for some courses for those with a high grade in EPQ. All Russell Group universities state that they value the additional skills, that students who complete EPQ, have developed.

What subjects can be studied for EPQ? The possible choice of subject matter is almost unlimited. It must be in addition to your A level subjects. You cannot be accredited for a topic that is a part of any subject syllabus you are studying although you can extend a topic which is briefly mentioned.

What does EPQ involve?

1.

process requires you to complete 3 essential elements.

Project product

The research undertaken by the student over several months is used to compile a product. This is usually a 5,000 word written report about the research or a shorter report (1,000 words) with production of a relevant artefact (e.g. piece of art work). For reference a single typed side of A4 usually contains approximately 500 words.

2.

Production Log

This is a structured reflective document with clearly defined stages, in which students comment on all stages of the research process, from initial ideas to reviewing the whole process.

3.

Presentation

This is an opportunity for students to communicate their findings about their whole EPQ journey including their project outcomes to their supervisor and a nonspecialist audience.

Overall the project provides opportunities for you to experience and be assessed in the following 4 areas.

•

Identify, design, plan and complete an individual project (or task within a group project), applying organisational skills and strategies to meet stated objectives;

•

Obtain and select information from a range of sources, analyse data, apply relevantly and demonstrate understanding of any appropriate linkages, connections and complexities of the topic;

•

Select and use a range of skills, including new technologies where appropriate, to solve problems, to take decisions critically, creatively and flexibly, and to achieve planned outcomes;

•

Evaluate outcomes including own learning and performance and select and use a range of communication skills and media to convey and present evidenced outcomes and conclusions.

Gaining the skills needed to successfully complete EPQ? You will be specifically supported in acquiring the skills necessary in two ways.

Direct teacher supervision You will be allocated a supervising teacher with whom you will meet for both formal and informal review sessions. You will negotiate the dates and times of these sessions with your supervisor. They are able to help with any queries or advice needed.

2.

Specific taught skills These will be gained in a variety of ways, through online taught skills programmes from both Bath and Southampton University, via additional skills through the wider personal development and tutor programmes and via specific resources provided via a dedicated google classroom.

Time can be allocated on Wednesdays p4 to complete the online taught skills programme.

Skills • • • • • • •

Time management Research skills Evaluation of resources Report writing Referencing Creating a bibliography Presentation skills

Other skills that may be needed for some projects include: • Use of Power point • Other IT tools/packages • Level 3 data analysis • Research ethics • Questionnaire design and analysis

How much work is involved?

The recommendation is that the project should involve approximately 90 hours of independent work to satisfy the demands of the qualification. This is only a guideline and the actual time spent is decided by the student and the needs of their project. It is to important to select or refine projects that can be completed within the time available.

Is EPQ part of a student timetable?

EPQ is an optional qualification studied in addition to A levels and is not normally part of a student’s timetable. Students are expected to negotiate appropriate times to meet their supervisor and to decide when to work on their research. Students can work on EPQ during p4 structured personal development.

Assessment of EPQ Assessment Objectives

Weighting (%)

Manage Identify, design, plan and carry out a project, applying a range of skills strategies and methods to achieve objectives

20

Use Resources Research, critically select, organise and use information and select and use a range of resources. Analyse data, apply relevantly and demonstrate understanding of any links connections and complexities of the topic.

20

Develop and Realise Select and use a range of skills, including, where appropriate, new technologies and problem-solving to take decisions critically and achieve planned outcomes

40

Review Evaluate all aspects of the extended project, including outcomes in relation to stated objectives and own learning and performance. Select and use a range of communication skills and media to present evidenced project outcomes and conclusions in an appropriate format

20

Grading of EPQ Since the qualification is at the same standard as A level the full range of grades including A* can be awarded.

Overview of how the elements of EPQ fit together This flow chart provides an overview of the complete process showing how the elements fit together.