Extended Project Qualification Level 3 Extended Project Qualification WJEC Entry Code: 9500 03 Teaching from 2015 INTRODUCTION

Summary of course Six taught lessons with homework: Introduction to the EPQ Decision making: decide format and initial topic Research: structure of EPQ; how to research effectively (literature review and referencing) Effective planning and organisation; problem solving Critical source handling and evaluation; data analysis, selection and synthesis Presentation and reflection skills

Objectives for lesson 1 Students should be able to: Work together as an effective group Realise the commitment required Participate in a new approach to learning (independent) Consider personal strengths and weaknesses Define initial goals

Plenary: Murder mystery reflection Complete the self reflection sheet: Then answer the following: How did you do this lesson? Assess your contribution honestly. What areas do you need to improve? Set yourself a target for the future linked to group work

Why should you complete an EPQ?

What do you have to do? Decide on a topic and produce a proposal and title Make an action plan, with milestones, deadlines and details of what you are going to do, why, how and when Keep a log: record your progress demonstrating what was learnt from the lessons, how research has been conducted, decisions made and problems solved. Produce a project outcome: a dissertation or investigation or an artefact Present your project and review the process

What will you learn? How to research effectively Effective planning and organisation Problem solving and decision making Critical source handling and evaluation Data analysis, selection and synthesis Presentation and reflection skills

Dissertation or artefact? A dissertation is a written piece of work (maximum 5,000 words) which answers a question. An artefact is a non-written project which aims to answer a question in a creative manner. Note that an artefact still requires a minimum of 1,500 words! Both a dissertation (written project outcome) and an artefact (non-written project) are equally valid The best artefacts have clear aims and objectives and are rooted explicitly in research

Examples of good artefacts: ‘To produce a scale model of a trebuchet for under £100 that is capable of throwing a tennis ball over ten metres.’   ‘To manufacture a leather bomber jacket for under £100 using the school laser cutter.’ ‘To write and produce a short film on the Syrian refugee crisis aimed at learners of sixth form age.’

Deadlines: You need to have agreed your project proposal with your supervisor and submitted it your EPQ teacher by the end of your EPQ lesson on Monday 30th/Tuesday 31st October These will then be sent off to WJEC who will approve them

What I learned from the lesson Review of the lesson Write the date on your notes and then complete the form: What I learned from the lesson Review and reflection

Self study/homework: Complete the ‘Getting an idea’ sheet and bring to your next EPQ lesson. This is on the school website under Sixth Form/EPQ/Student resources (blue button) Log on to https://www.futurelearn.com/ Select “Study skills” and then scroll down to the University of Southampton course “developing your research project”. You should aim to complete this over the next six weeks. 3. Read the WJEC Student EPQ guide and print out the form EPF1 4. Print out the slides for lesson 2