The EPQ is a research based project that encourages students to become independent, reflective workers. As such it provides an excellent foundation for study at University.

The EPQ is worth half an A2 (up to 70 UCAS points) and it is increasingly common for students who achieve an A or A* to be made a lower UCAS offer by universities.

The EPQ is a process driven qualification with 2/3 of the marks awarded for planning, use of resources, time management and self-evaluation.

As such it is expected that students of all abilities can succeed in attaining a good EPQ grade. The focus on the process is what sets the qualification apart. Students must not only produce a good end product but evidence how they reached their outcome and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses as learners.

By attending taught skills sessions in referencing and critical thinking amongst many others they can be confident they have the skills to succeed in their future studies.

What is the

EPQ Extended Project Qualification ?

Students are invited to apply to complete an EPQ in October of the L6. All students are encouraged to complete an EPQ but the demanding nature of the qualification means that applications are carefully scrutinised. In particular, students are expected to score 3s and 4s for their organisation and ability to meet deadlines, and be on track to secure their target grade on their Michaelmas half term report.

In applying to complete an EPQ it is expected that students will:

- Choose an area of interest beyond their current studies, draft a title and aims and objectives for their project.

- Plan, research and carry out their project sticking to the aims and objectives they have set. This can take the form of a 5000 word report or it can be an artefact with accompanying 2000 word report.

- Deliver a 15 minute presentation to a non-specialist audience about their project.

- Provide evidence of all stages of the project development and production in the EPQ log.

- Attend taught skills sessions in given prep sessions across the L6 and U6 year.

- Complete their project by October of the U6 year, with the bulk of the ‘writing up phase’ in the summer holidays of the L6.

- To what extent does smiling affect our general wellbeing when considering social, physical and financial factors?

- Does the English language need a Guardian similar to the Academie Française?

- Does the success of music therapy in the treatment of Dementia suggest the mind is more than physical?

- What are the effective strategies to alleviate stress in young adults?

- Investigation of the reasons for inspiration: Love, fear and desperation as some of the most important sources of inspiration.

- How has Stem Cell research been portrayed by the media over the last 10 years in the UK and what effect has this had on the public perception of the value of Stem Cell research in the future?

- How far does the characterisation of witches in Roman literature differ?

- Was Alexander so ‘Great’?

- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the 20th Century Imagination: A study into the perception of Shell Shock in World War 1 and Modern Day Britain.

The EPQ process at Prior Park College

Each EPQ student is allocated a supervisor. The supervisor is a mentor and a coach and will not direct their student. Their main role is to challenge the student by asking them questions and supporting and encouraging them. The supervisor is likely to be a non-expert in the student’s chosen specialism to avoid over direction.

The supervisor will:

- Meet with their student at key points in the EPQ process (and at additional times at the student’s request)

- Comment on the suitability of the project for approval.

- Attend the presentation in October and mark the EPQ project.

In addition, students are supported by the Centre Coordinator Mrs Bryant. Mrs Bryant coordinates all stages of the EPQ including the taught skills sessions and tracking of student progress.

Students are invited to sign up to showbie.com, an online classroom environment where work can be uploaded at key points of the process and helpful resources can be accessed to support the completion of all aspects of the project.

How are ourEPQ students supported?

Examples of previous EPQ subject titles

EPQ

Exte

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Pro

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A fi nished project may take the form of the following: - Research based investigation Written report from an investigation

- Dissertation Critical analysis of the work of an author or fi lm director

- Design Website, stage set or invention

- Performance Concert, play, debate or sport

An EPQ gives students the chance to undertake a self - directed study, which will enable them to develop skills which are vital in preparation for University