Why study an EPQ?

The Extended Project Qualification helps students of all abilities and interests to acquire independent learning skills. Learners can use these new skills in their existing study as well as to prepare for higher education and working life.

The Project Qualification gives learners the opportunity to:

  • learn more about an area that interests them
  • research a subject that might not be available through other qualifications
  • develop independent research and project management skills
  • develop skills that will help with A levels
  • achieve more UCAS points at level 3
  • learn skills that will help in higher education or the workplace

The Project Qualification is recognised and recommended by universities, schools, colleges and students for the valuable skills it provides.

What are the careers or further education that this course be suitable for?

The EPQ can literally support any future career or further education aspiration. It is useful for students who wish to develop the skills required by A-level study, those wanting to consolidate learning and those who wish to research aspects of the curriculum not covered by the current A-level specifications.

Key Information Summary:

Course Title

Extended Project Qualification

Examination Board

Edexcel

Linear Qualification?

No

Course Webpage

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-project-qualification/level-3/about-level-3-project-qualification.html

Entry Requirements

Sixth form entry requirements

Contact Teacher

Ms Howard: choward@wilmslowhigh.com
Mrs Farris: afarris@wilmslowhigh.com

Course Details

Rather than traditional lessons, the EPQ is taught via weekly tutorial meetings in small groups. All students are assigned a mentor who monitors the progress of the student through the research, writing and presentation of their final project. Tutorials are very discursive in nature and allow students to share ideas, reflect upon their background reading, set targets and discuss key ideas.

Students are also provided with whole group sessions that cover key research skills, how to avoid issues such as plagiarism and how to give effective presentations.

In addition to the final project, students give a short presentation discussing their research and reflecting the on the skills that they have developed. This is an opportunity for them to highlight and analyse their successes and discuss potential areas for development in the future.

The EPQ is an excellent qualification to combine with a full A-level programme or combined A-level and BTEC programme.


Course Assessment

The Extended Project is graded A* to E and requires 120 guided learning hours. In terms of UCAS points status, Level 3 Project qualifications are worth half an A level.

Grade

UCAS points

Equivalence

A*

28

More than an AS level at grade A

A

24

half an A level at grade A

B

20

half an A level at grade B

C

16

half an A level at grade C

D

12

half an A level at grade D

E

8

half an A level at grade E

Throughout their in-depth study, learners will develop and apply skills creatively, resulting in one of four project outcomes: a dissertation, a performance, an artefact or an investigation.

  • Dissertation:
    This type of project is a university-style dissertation on any topic which can be researched and argued about - for example, a controversial biological, historical, ethical, philosophical, psychological, economic or environmental issue. The dissertation uses secondary research sources to provide a reasoned defence of a point of view, with consideration of counter-arguments.
  • Performance:This type of project involves the development of performance skills and techniques in a creative process leading up to a performance before a designated audience - for example, a performance of music, drama or sport. It can take the form of a response to a brief or performance commission.
  • Artefact:This type of project involves a process of research, design and the application of creative skills in developing and realising a piece of work in response to a client brief. Types of artefact project include creating a painting or sculpture, designing a piece of furniture or a garment, creating a website, solving an engineering or construction problem or producing a piece of graphic design.
  • Investigation:This type of project is a scientific investigative project involving the collection of data from primary research, which may happen within the context of a geographical or biological field study - for example, a study of erosion, a study of pollution or a statistical survey of attitudes concerning a social issue. The Investigation/ Field Study uses primary sources of data, such as questionnaires, observation or scientific experimentation, with a process of hypothesis creation and testing.