What specification is proposed? 

AQA 

What will I be covering in the course? 

The Extended Project is a level 3 qualification. There will be allotted time to deliver the taught element of the course. It is particularly useful for students who are applying to university and wish to demonstrate their ability to work and research independently. 

Students have to: 

• 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 EPQ offers students a unique opportunity to develop essential skills for higher education and the workplace, in a subject area of their own choice. 

Students can choose to explore a further aspect of a subject they’re studying, or another subject, or simply choose a topic that they have a personal interest in. Whatever topic they choose, they have complete control of it. The finished project can be a written report of 5000 words, or an artefact in the form of a performance, a piece of art, a community project, a CD or DVD, or even computer software, complete with a 2000 word written report. 

How will I be assessed? 

The project is marked internally by the Academy; marks are checked by the school AQA approved EPQ co-coordinator and externally moderated by AQA. 

Assessment Objectives: 

AO1 – Manage 

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

AO2 – Use Resources/Research 

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 evidenced outcomes and conclusions. 

What can I do with this subject? 

The EPQ is important as it develops a range of key skills. It also give you valuable ideas to include in your UCAS personal statement when applying to university. It carries UCAS points ranging, for example, from 70 points for an A* project to 40 for a C grade project. Many universities are now offering reduced offers based on whether a student has completed an EPQ.