The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a relatively new Sixth Form qualification that allows students more freedom and independence than traditional A Level syllabuses allow. It can be taken either instead of a fourth A Level subject, or in addition to four A Levels. Students work over the course of four terms to produce a project of their own choosing whilst developing the planning, preparation, research and autonomous working skills they will need at university. The EPQ is intended to be accessible to students with a wide range of abilities but students undertaking the EPQ will need to demonstrate a great deal of commitment and motivation and an ability to work independently.
The EPQ is graded A*-E and is worth up to a maximum of 70 UCAS points (an AS Level is worth up to 60 points, an A2 Level up to 140 points). Examination board: AQA
All candidates will receive teaching in research methodology. This will include:
- any skills or techniques that will be required for the safe and effective execution of the project which are not part of the candidate’s course of study. e.g. safe laboratory or workshop technique, professional codes of practice, ethical guidelines, research method
- ICT skills that will enhance the production of the report and/or the development of the project covering research, analysis and execution research skills including the ability to search for and identify suitable sources of information and prior research or relevant work already undertaken
- project management skills including time, resource and task management
- in the case of a performance, production or artefact, the format and content of rehearsal notes, initial sketches or other evidence to document the stages of production
- in the case of a written research report or investigation, the format and structure of accepted academic form to include abstract, introduction, background research, further research content with all sources cited, discussion, conclusion, references, including the evaluation of sources
- Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills, Functional Skills and Key Skills
Students will then embark on the project, during which they will:
- choose a topic to study
- complete a production log to document the project process
- plan, research and carry out their project
- prepare a presentation on the outcome.
The project can take the form of a written dissertation of 5,000 words, a performance, a piece of art, or a multimedia DVD. In addition, all candidates have to give a presentation on their chosen topic to a non-specialist audience, with questions and answers.
For further information, download the sheet of FAQs, or speak to the Project Co-ordinator, Mr A G Reid.