The Extended Project The extended project is an opportunity for you to pursue an academic area of study of your choosing on your own terms.

The EPQ could be for you…? Are you an independent learner? Do you take responsibility for your own progress? Do you complete homework and coursework to deadline? The EPQ could be for you…?

What it is? One piece of work; internally assessed, externally moderated – like coursework. A dissertation/essay of about 5000 words – similar to the sort of dissertation done at university. or An art work, designed product, film, performance etc. with a report and analysis of about 1500-3000 words. In both cases: a presentation to an audience in which you will have to discuss your project and answer questions.

You will be required to: Choose an area of interest. Draft a title and aims of the project 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.

Why should you do it? Independent research and planning skills. Demonstrates commitment and interest. Develops critical thinking and creative skills. Supports UCAS statements and may be discussed at any University interview. (Particularly important if you are applying for top universities and competitive courses.) Achieve an extra qualification. Good preparation for the independence of degree study.

How it is assessed. Manage - AO1 (20%) Identify, design, plan, and carry out a project, applying a range of skills, strategies and methods to achieve objectives. Use Resources - AO2 (20%) Research, critically select, organise and use information, and a range of resources. Analyse data apply relevantly and demonstrate understanding of any links, connections and complexities of the topic. Develop and Realise - AO3 (40%) Select and use a range of skills, including, where appropriate, new technologies and problem-solving, to take decisions critically and achieve planned outcomes. Review - AO4 (20%) Evaluate all aspects of the extended project, including outcomes in relation to stated objectives and own learning and performance. Select and use a range of communication skills and media to present evidenced project outcomes and conclusions in an appropriate format.

The taught element will include: Professional codes of practice, ethical guidelines, research methodology. Project management skills including time, resource and task management. Research skills including the ability to search for and identify suitable sources of information, prior research, or relevant work already available. The format and structure of accepted academic forms of research report to include: abstract, introduction, background research, further research content with all sources cited, discussion, conclusion, references, including the evaluation of sources. ICT skills to enhance the production of the report and the development of the project covering research, analysis and execution.

Worth half an A Level A* A B C D E 28 24 20 16 12 8 EPQ grade A* A B C D E UCAS points 28 24 20 16 12 8 Some examples of previous projects are: Women in Genesis – autonomous and decisive or marginalised and oppressed? Is Black History Month still valued in the 21st century? To what extent has there been a revival of Celtic languages over the last century? What is the most effective way of photographing natural elements without a camera? Is the fear of causing offence killing free speech in Universities in Britain? How can a robot interpret and move within its environment? Why are women a minority in the piloting industry? Making a podcast on the history of UK Hip Hop and Grime Current year 13 to share their experiences; Joe, Hani,

What Next? Take a sign up form and complete it – you MUST hand this in to the 6th form office by MONDAY at 3pm Attend BOTH the initial EPQ sessions following destinations week: Tuesday 5th July 11-1 – Sixth form study area Wednesday 6th July 11-1 – Sixth form study area