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AQA Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Our vision is to cultivate resilient, tolerant, and respectful young people who possess emotional intelligence and compassion. We aim to empower our pupils to understand themselves and the world around them, equipping them with the skills needed for future work and study. By fostering independence and ensuring every student has a voice, we aspire to create an environment where all pupils feel valued and capable.
Our staff are committed to actively reflecting on and improving their practices for the benefit of our pupils. We aim to place a strong emphasis on frequently and effectively considering student voice in our decisions. We maintain high aspirations and expectations for all pupils, guiding them to achieve their fullest potential in both their personal and academic lives.
Staffing
Mr R Soteriou (2nd in Social Sciences)
Mrs L Taylor (Associate AHT Teaching and Learning)
Key Stage 5
The EPQ comprises a single piece of original work, (either a 5,000 word essay or an artefact) of the pupil’s choosing, that shows evidence of planning, preparation and research, reflecting 90 hours of independent study and 30 hours of taught research skills.
This qualification was developed with the intention of strengthening all programmes of study by testing a wider range of skills and to provide a ‘tool kit’ of skills that better prepares pupils for higher education and employment.
Universities greatly value the EPQ as it is evidence of higher level academic skills and can be a differentiator when offering university places, particularly for competitive courses. The EPQ is graded A*-E and can be worth up to 70 UCAS points.
“The skills that students develop through the Extended Project are excellent preparation for university-level study. Students can refer to the Extended Project in their UCAS personal statements and at interview to demonstrate some of the qualities that universities are looking for. As a research-intensive university, The University of Manchester is very supportive of the skills the Extended Project encourages learners to develop. We have been involved in working with local schools and colleges since the Extended Project Qualification was first piloted”.
Pupils will learn to:
- Manage – identify, design, plan, and complete a project applying organisational skills and strategies to meet their stated objectives
- Use resources/research – obtain and select information from a range of sources, analyse data, apply it relevantly, and demonstrate understanding of any appropriate connections and complexities of their topic
- Develop and realise – use a range of skills, including using new technologies, to solve problems, to take decisions critically, creatively and flexibly, and to achieve their aims
- Review – evaluate the outcome, including their learning and performance.
At the start of the course pupils are required to attend study skills session designed to give pupils the skills required to complete the project successfully. This will include planning, research skills, referencing, report writing and presenting to an audience.
Example extended project titles
- Is technology making us more depressed?
- What is the biology of laughter?
- Why did the USA join World War Two so late?
- Should billionaires be allowed to exist?
- A study of businesswomen in the 18th Century
- Can anything be art?
- How far can humans realistically explore space?
Assessment
Pupils are assessed on the final product of their project and on the process itself. The qualification will assess the pupil’s ability to manage, develop, record, realise and evaluate their project.
Homework
The EPQ qualification relies heavily upon pupils undertaking this project in their own time, pupils will receive homework that is designed to extend and consolidate their knowledge, this can take a variety of forms including: reading, research, completing or continuing product / project, acting upon feedback from the teacher, written work or an extended piece of work to be completed over several weeks.
Resources that will help pupils extend their knowledge – Additional reading, websites, activities
Extra-curricular links
Research skills lessons, university library visits and workshops will be offered and organised.
Careers
The diverse skill set gained from completing the EPQ can pave the way for success in a wide range of careers.
Careers linked to EPQ: Academic researcher, project manager, data analyst, technical writer, policy advisor, content developer, research assistant, jornalist, business consultant, marketing executive, educator, public relations specialist, event coordinator, entrepreneur, legal assistant, and many more.
Cross-curricular links
Pupils develop their planning, research, analysis, evaluation and presentation skills – an excellent preparation for university level study.