Extended Project Qualification

What is an EPQ? EPQ is an independent research project You will produce a 5000 word report a production log a project presentation An EPQ is worth half an A-level (28 UCAS points) 30 hours of lessons with your EPQ tutor (1 lesson per week) 90 hours of independent work (2 hours per week)

What are the benefits of an EPQ? The Extended Project Qualification allows you to demonstrate many skills, which can pay off when applying to university. These include: initiative to go that extra mile; a deeper interest in your subject (if it's related to what you're applying to study); The ability to manage your time to complete the EPQ on top of your other commitments; Core analytical, written, presentation and research skills. An EPQ can make for an excellent talking point in an interview too. Some universities may consider EPQ as part of their offer. In this case they may ask for AAB rather AAA for example.

What Universities say about EPQ... University of Southampton: 'Students could use their project at interview stage and/or in their Ucas personal statement. Certain courses at the university will count 'A' grades achieved in the extended project towards their entry criteria.' University of Manchester: 'The skills that students develop through the Extended Project are excellent preparation for university-level study.' University of Liverpool: 'We encourage candidates to draw upon their experience of undertaking the project when writing their personal statement.'

This is equivalent to an improvement of one grade in one A level.” “Taking EPQ was associated with an improvement in mean UCAS tariff of around 5 to 6 points. This is equivalent to an improvement of one grade in one A level.” An analysis of the effect of taking the EPQ on performance in other level 3 qualifications, Tim Gill (2016)

October 2020 - December 2020 (Year 13) The Process September 2019 - October 2019 October Half-Term 2019 I am allocated an EPQ supervisor who guide my throughout the process I discuss and explore a range of ideas with my supervisor I complete my Record of Initial Ideas I submit my formal proposal to my supervisor January 2020 - Easter 2020 November 2019 - December 2019 My research is complete and I complete my Mid-project review I begin my research, following and monitoring my Project Plan I discuss my plan with my supervisor and complete my Planning Review I create my Project Plan September 2020 (Year 13) October 2020 (Year 13) October 2020 - December 2020 (Year 13) I complete a draft of my dissertation and complete my Project Product Review Following verbal feedback on my draft, I complete my dissertation I plan, prepare and deliver my EPQ presentation I evaluate both the completed project and my own learning I submit my EPQ

What makes a good EPQ? It must be a topic that interests you It could be: A topic that is related to a subject you wish to study at A-Level A topic that is related to a subject you wish to study at University A topic that is related to the career path you wish to pursue A topic that is related to a subject you can no longer pursue but would like to continue to learn about A topic that is related to a hobby you pursue Your topic must be an area in which there is adequate academic literature or research for you to study and use as evidence in your dissertation.

Examples of successful titles... Has the ‘chick flick’ genre evolved narratively and ideologically? As a reflection of her social attitudes and political involvement in Egypt, to what extent can didacticism be seen in the works of Narwai El Saadawi? Was the Queen Elizabeth II class aircraft carrier the right choice for the UK? Could flooding of the river Parrett in Somerset during the 2013 winter floods have been prevented? Have agents been good for the game of football? Is it better to treat dementia patients in a care home or their own home? Is the UK becoming more politically radical? Are KS2 SATS damaging children’s education?

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