Extended Project Qualification(EPQ)

Presented by Mr Orr

What is it?

• The EPQ is the production of either a 5,000 worddissertation OR the creation of an artefact alongside a2,000-5,000 word report.

• Students can choose to write their EPQ on anythingthey wish.

• To accompany their essay or artefact will be aProduction Log, which will evidence their research andplanning.

• Upon submission of their essay or artefact, students willpresent their work to staff, their peers, parents and thewider community.

The course

Initial planning

• Students will decide upon a generic focus point fortheir EPQ.

• They will decide which member of staff will be theirsupervisor.

• There will be some minor paperwork in theirProduction Log for them to complete.

Some of the supervisors

Military History, Rugby Union

Mr Peake

Business MarketingMr Dwyer

Art therapy, fine art, alternative film

Ms Martin

Law courts, Theology

Mr Lee

Sports Science, EducationMrs Smith

Presenting the project

What’s the point of it?

How the EPQ is viewed

"We welcome the introduction of the Extended Projectand would encourage you to undertake one as it willhelp you develop independent study and research skillsand ease the transition from school/college to highereducation."

How the EPQ is viewed

“Applicants presenting the Extended Project areencouraged to discuss their research in their personalstatement and reflect on how undertaking the projectwill help prepare them for studying their chosen degreeat Warwick. Where a department typically makes offerswhich include a fourth subject at AS level the ExtendedProject will normally be considered in lieu of thisrequirement.”

How the EPQ is viewed

“The Extended Project is widely welcomed in principle andin prospect. A large majority of departmental admissionstutors expect to recognise it as a positive attribute whenselecting among applicants with similar levels ofachievement (both high fliers and those at the borderline).Tutors also welcome its potential to enhance study skills,to align with undergraduate modes of study and toprovide additional diagnostic evidence when selectingamong applicants.”

How the EPQ is viewed

"All applicants for our Humanities courses and Human andSocial Sciences courses undertaking an EPQ will be madean alternative offer alongside our traditional offer. Thealternative offer will be one grade reduced from ourtraditional offer in exchange for an A in the EPQ. Forexample, for History, whose traditional offer is AAB, wewould make an alternative offer of ABBa. It is our hopethat this will send out a clear message to students that wevalue the EPQ, and appreciate the hard work that goesinto completing one.”

How does MRSA spread?

A history of crime and punishment: 1066-2014

Are referendums truly democratic?

Does God exist?

Is the UK at risk from new germs unaffected by antibiotics?

Which ruler really uses terror to control their subjects: William I or David Cameron?

Was the 2014 Scottish referendum a triumph for democracy?

Why are so many British teenagerschoosing to be atheist?

Essay samples

Who will be involved in the EPQ?

Student

Parents

Role: to ensure sufficient/and appropriate amount of time is spent researching the topic at

home.

Mr Orr/Miss Martin

Role: Will teach the necessary taught element skills.

Ensure the Production Log is completed for the relevant

dates. Supervisor

Role: Will provide academic advise on the particular chosen

field.

Have 4 formal meetings on the EPQ

How the Academy can support your child

1. Fortnightly timetabled lessons going over requirementsand necessary skills.

2. Drop-in advice in OG0 after school on a Wednesdaywith Mr Orr.

3. Network of staff with experience as EPQ supervisors.

4. (Small) budget available for particularly ambitiousprojects.

Starting the project

How can you support your child

1. Invest in their chosen topic by taking them torelevant places of interest.

2. Checking the EPQ and Sixth Form Twitter accountsfor deadline reminders.

3. Advising on when and how much time they shoulddevote to their EPQ.

AQA Level 3 Extended Project

Qualification (AQA)

Additional information can be found at: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/projects/aqa-certificate/EPQ-7993On twitter @TGAS_EPQ

What is the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)?The EPQ is a self-motivated project of your own choosing that is the equivalent to an AS level. The project does not involve an examination but instead you will be asked to submit a written report that may also include an artefact. It is graded from A* - U.

Why should I bother with the EPQ?Universities are increasingly looking beyond the grades potential students gain at the end of A-level. Traditionally, only Oxbridge colleges would ask for interviews yet it is now becoming common practise. By completing the EPQ there is the opportunity to discuss an academic topic in considerable detail. In addition, most universities are now offering reduced entry criteria if a student has studied the EPQ. Aside from assisting you in applying to university, the EPQ also introduces the necessary skills for university essays.

What skills does the EPQ develop?These transferable skills include: time management; project planning; problem-solving; independence; research; the ability to reflect.

How is the EPQ marked?The EPQ is given a mark out of 50. Students will be marked on: management of the project; the use of resources; the development and realisation of the question; and the conclusions of the research.

What should I do for my EPQ?Students have complete control as to their choice of topic. Their choice can be something related to one of their subjects, to an aspect of their work placement, to something they wish to do at university or a personal interest/hobby that they already have a passion for. Students cannot do their EPQ on a topic that is examined on in their A-Levels.

When does it need to be done by?Their will be several small deadlines spaced out throughout Year 12. The essay/artefact will be handed in in September 2015. A presentation on the topic will be delivered in October 2015 before the collated project is handed in for submission in November 2015.

How much do I need to write?A written project should consist of 5000 words, whereas the production of an artefact for your EPQ must include a written report of between 1000-5000 words.

Student

Parents

Role: to ensure sufficient/and appropriate amount of time is spent researching the topic at

home.

Mr Orr/Miss Martin

Role: Will teach the necessary taught element skills.

Ensure the Production Log is completed for the relevant

dates. Supervisor

Role: Will provide academic advise on the particular chosen

field.

Have 4 formal meetings on the EPQ