Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

EXAMINATION BOARD: AQA SPECIFICATION CODE: 7993 EXPECTED GCSE REQUIREMENTS:

THE EPQ IS A STANDALONE QUALIFICATION, BUT GIVEN THE NATURE OF THE ACADEMIC RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN AND WRITTEN SKILLS REQUIRED, A MINIMUM GRADE 7 IN GCSE ENGLISH IS RECOMMENDED.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is undertaken in the Lower Sixth and aims to link A Levels with the skills pupils need at university, encouraging them to study independently and produce their own research investigation. This qualification is highly valued by universities; an EPQ is worth half an A Level: 28 UCAS points for an A*, 24 points for an A and so on. It can be a great way to boost one’s points. There are three main routes for students to take: a research project of 5,000 words; creation of an artefact, which can be anything ranging from a short story, a fashion item, a film or even a piece of artwork, together with a 1,000-word report; and the third route is to complete a group project. Students receive teaching and guidance throughout the entire process, with a dedicated programme of taught skills including planning and researching, how to give an engaging presentation and how to critique and reference academic sources. There are no formal restrictions on what the project must be on; the focus is negotiated between the student and their project adviser.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The extended project is an internally assessed qualification. Students need to produce a production log, verified by the supervisor, a written report, supplementary evidence and a presentation. All projects are then subject to both internal and external moderation from the exam board. Students will be assessed against four key objectives:

AO1 Manage - Identify, design, plan and complete the individual project or task within a group project, applying organisation skills and strategies to meet stated objectives.

AO2 Use resources - Obtain and select information from a range of sources, analyse data, apply relevantly and demonstrate understanding of any appropriate linkages, connections and complexities of their topic.

AO3 Develop and realise - Select and use a range of skills, including new technologies, to solve problems, to take decisions critically, creatively and flexibly, and to achieve planned outcomes.

AO4 Review - Evaluate outcomes including own learning and performance. Select and use a range of communication skills and media to convey and present outcomes and conclusions.

WHERE WILL THIS TAKE ME?

The EPQ Programme at Tormead promotes intellectual curiosity and allows students to undertake an independent piece of research with both flexibility and freedom. Students can explore professional networks and meet people outside of the usual school environment. Moreover, this course provides a great opportunity to develop confidence and familiarity with the independent methods of study which will be required at university and beyond.