Extended Project Qualification
SUBJECT LEADER
Miss H Garner
EXAM BOARD
AQA
SPECIFICATION LINK
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Majority of GCSEs Grade 5 and above.
Why choose the EPQ?
The EPQ is designed to give students the skills needed for independent study and therefore prepare them for higher education or a higher level apprenticeship. The course aims to help students to develop their abilities beyond A level. This course is a way of gaining an AS equivalent qualification in an area that students have selected themselves. It is a good opportunity for students to really stretch themselves and show their capability in a range of disciplines which will prepare them for their progression after they leave school.
What you will study in the EPQ?
The course aims to help students to develop their abilities beyond A level. Students choose an area of study that is outside their A level subjects, which is of interest to them. They are then taught certain skills such as research, note taking, referencing and working in groups or individually. Students can then choose whether to complete a project which results in them producing an artefact or a reflective essay on their project. EPQ students are expected to be able to motivate themselves to work independently outside lessons and to learn how to evaluate their project throughout the year by keeping a production log as the year progresses. They will have time on their timetable for the taught content of the course and will be assigned a supervisor who will have 1-2-1 sessions with them to check on their progress and to agree targets with them. At the end of the project, students will be expected to give a presentation to their supervisor and co-ordinator in order to explain and evaluate their project and findings.
How you will be assessed in the EPQ
Assessment is by production of an artefact or a 5,000 word essay and a presentation. You will also be required to keep a log of your project which will need submitting with evaluating comments added as to what you changed and how well the project progressed. You will be assessed by your supervisor throughout the course and will have to show evidence of taking their supervisor’s points into account throughout the course.
Additional Information
The EPQ gives you a chance to study something that is important to you and it will also help you to understand what you want to study later on – so give it a go!