Please note: The EPQ is offered as an additional qualification to students once they have settled into year 12.
Introduction - why chose this subject?
The Extended Project Qualification is an exciting additional qualification which can be studied alongside a student’s programme of three other Level 3 subjects and is the equivalent of half an A Level. It is used to enhance their curriculum experience, support university aspirations and provide an avenue to pursue a project on a subject of their choosing.
The qualification allows students to lead their own projects based on an area of personal interest (linked to career aspirations, hobbies, or related, even entirely unrelated, to their studies). Students have complete freedom over the topic they choose but are guided by a dedicated project supervisor.
Much like a university dissertation, students then:
• draft a research question/title and aims for the project to be formally approved by their supervisor
• plan, research and carry out the project (5000-word essay, artefact or production)
• deliver a short presentation to a small audience of subject non-specialists
• provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment in a research diary called the production log.
The EPQ is beneficial for students who wish to study at university after sixth from, this is because they will learn important academic skills such as referencing, evaluating sources, critical thinking, written communication and presentation skills. These skills are highly valued by universities; many universities will use the EPQ as a way to select students for offers of a place and some will even give students a reduced entry requirement if students complete an EPQ!
As well as this, students may choose to study an EPQ to allow them to continue studying something they are passionate about or expand their knowledge outside of their Level 3 studies.
How is the course examined?
This course is 100% coursework with no exam.
The individual project (essay, artefact or production), the production log, and the presentation are marked internally to give an overall mark (out of 50) and these are externally moderated.
The assessment objectives for this qualification are:
Manage resources 20%
Use resources 20%
Develop and Realise 40%
Review 20%
Equipment
There are no specialist equipment requirements.
Students may find a notebook helpful to keep research ideas and notes
Homework and learning outside the classroom
Students will complete significant research and drafting of their project outside of the classroom
They will also meet with their supervisor regularly to discuss the progress of their project
There may be opportunities to visit local libraries and host academic talks on study skills
Students in the sixth form benefit from strong teaching and high-quality pastoral support.
OFSTED
…there is now an effective programme of intervention and support for students who are at risk of underachievement.
OFSTED
Students in the sixth form say that they are well supported pastorally and that they feel safe.
OFSTED
The curriculum in the sixth form offers students support in applying to university or moving into employment.
OFSTED
Students identified teaching as the strength of the sixth form. Teachers’ subject knowledge is excellent.
OFSTED
As a result of high-quality teaching and the broader experiences to which they are exposed, students are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their education.
OFSTED
Student achievement is outstanding. They reach high levels of attainment. Students have high expectations of themselves.
OFSTED
Allerton High School
King Lane, Leeds
West Yorkshire LS17 7AG