Sixth Form Subjects

EPQ - Level 3

 Course Overview

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an independent study course that aims to help students develop the skills necessary for study at university and future employment. EPQ students will learn how to develop excellent organisation skills and get a better understanding of how to manage and complete their own workload. The EPQ is equivalent to half an A Level, but it is so much more than an extra qualification. The Extended Project Qualification highlights to employers and universities that you are an independent learner, able to manage a project, solve problems, organise your time, conduct original research and produce a high-quality product.

Course Aims, Content & Assessment

It aims to give A Level students an opportunity to:

• Demonstrate independent research skills.
• Create a piece of extended writing or complete an artefact, for example a work of art, an invention or a musical composition.
• Choose a topic that they are excited or passionate about.

An EPQ is an independent research project, which involves writing an essay of 5000, or creating a product known as an artefact, which might be anything from an art object, to creating a iPhone app. Students who produce an artefact then write a shortened report of approximately 1000 words. As the project develops, you will complete a production log to record specific stages of the project and the decisions you are making, this also contributes to your project result.
The Production Log is recorded on a online system called Project Q; this has guided sections for students to complete. The third component is an oral presentation delivered at the end of the project.

There are no exams. Instead, you will produce one piece of written coursework, plus artefact if applicable accompanied by a presentation of your project to an informal group, which can include your tutors, supervisors, other students or someone of your choice.
The EPQ allows you to learn and develop skills that will apply to your own independent research project. You are expected to spend 120 hours on your EPQ.

You will be marked on your ability to manage, research, complete and evaluate your project. Your supervisors carry out the assessment holistically. Then finally moderated externally by an AQA assessor. The marks are awarded as follows:

20% AO1 – Planning, Project and Time Management, working with a supervisor

20% AO2 – Research – the quality and breadth of research undertaken

40% AO3 – Analysis and Evaluation – the delivery and quality of the submission

20% AO4 – Critical Reflection of personal learning and growth

Learning Methods

EPQ learning methods emphasize student-led, independent research, incorporating formal taught elements in planning and research skills, followed by independent study, project management, and a presentation of findings
The independent research is a programme of taught skills delivered throughout the course, which will include:

• Organisation, planning and time management
• Research skills, including looking at ethics, and source evaluation
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Referencing and citation
• Essay and report writing
• Presentation skills
• Reflection evaluation and development

Future Pathways

You will gain a wide range of transferable skills to equip you to succeed, not only at university but within any chosen career.

 Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for this course

Student Testimonial

Testimonial in the pipeline

Other courses of interest

• Psychology
• Science
• English Language

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