EPQ Production Log Jan 2015

Overview of Project Qualifications Learners are required, with appropriate supervision, to: Choose an area of interest Draft a project title and aims for approval by the Centre Plan, research and carry out the project Deliver a presentation to a specified audience Provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment

Role of the Supervisor 'The word "education" comes from the root e from ex, out, and duco, I lead. It means a leading out. To me education is a leading out of what is already there in the pupil's soul. ' Muriel Spark CoachingMentoring NOT Directing

Initial Planning & Project Approval This a key area for discussion with your supervisor i.e. they will be checking that the project is feasible and that you have an idea of resources you will be consulting They will use the 7 point checklist to guide you regarding your choice of title and proposals

7 point checklist 1. Is the topic suitable for an EPQ? 2. Does the topic enable the learner to access the higher level concepts in the learning outcomes eg plan, research, analyse, evaluate, and explain rather than just describe and narrate? 3. Is the title and proposed research clear and focused on the issue which can be managed within the timescale, available resources and word total? 4. Does the title and proposed action suggest the learner will be able to complete the project independently?

7 point checklist (cont) 5. Is there a danger that the learner will be unable to approach the project impartially and in a balanced way? 6. Is the learner likely to face difficulties understanding the themes and issues associated with the project? 7. Does the project with complement or develop the main learning programme of the learner?

The smart student should approach their supervisors in the following way: – This is what I want to do – These are the aims and objectives – This is the research/reading I’ve done so far – These are the resources I plan to use – Can I do it?

Dual accreditation It is important that dual accreditation is avoided. The supervisor needs to state on Proposal B that the work submitted has not been entered for any other qualification. There must be nothing substantial in the EPQ which appears in their A level specs and they cannot submit anything which they are submitting or forms part of another piece of coursework. This is why there is a good argument for a student not to attempt something that is very close to their other studies.

Developing your initial idea Your first idea for topic/title ‘Philosophical ideas relating to our perception of the world and how they have changed over time’ Your first ideas for research and development of your project: Research, through the use of primary and secondary materials, philosophical views of several different philosophers on the subject of the differences between appearance and reality. Compare the views of classical philosophers from the past millenium and contemporary experts in the field Can we trust the perception of the world that we receive through the use of our senses? Is it possible for them to deceive us? Do I perceive the world in an identical way to others? After extensive study on the above subjects, present my own opinions on the subject

Developing your initial idea Project Proposal Part A Title of the Extended Project ‘How have philosophical views on the validity of our perceptions changed over time?’ Extended Project Final Title How far has science replaced philosophy when thinking about the differences between appearance and reality?

Actions Complete forms up to and including Supervisor input and pass to me for agreement Arrange regular meetings with supervisors