Extended Project Qualification EPQ

Where will you be in 3 years 7 years ? 5 years

University Work Where do you want to be?

What is the EPQ? This is and extensions piece of work to you’re A-Levels and the topic you chose to do your research project on reflects an interest outside of what you learn in your studies. Want to know more…..?

EPQ: What will it involve? You will: 1.CHOOSE A TOPIC TO STUDY 2. COMPLETE A PRODUCTION LOG TO DOCUMENT THE PROJECT PROCESS 3. PLAN, RESEARCH AND CARRY OUT YOUR PROJECT 4. BE GUIDED AND MONITORED BY YOUR SUPERVISOR 5. PREPARE A PRESENTATION ON THE OUTCOME (IN YEAR 13)

What will the EPQ consist of? A completed set of record sheets that form the Production Log. Regular mentor meetings. Your project: 1.A written report (1000*-5000 words) 2.A piece of art / DT (an artefact) 3.A recording or a performance 4.A presentation (10 mins compulsory)

AQA Extended Project Process

EPQ: What’s in it for me? University: The EPQ carries a UCAS tariff A*=70 A=60 B=50 C=40 This is the only qualification you can achieve, and be rewarded for, an A*! Forms key part of your personal statement. Makes good discussion at a university interview. In the workplace: Students achieving an EPQ qualification have an advantage over their peers when applying for employment and at interview. Employers recognize EPQ as giving students the opportunity to develop essential skills.

But why? This new opportunity allows you to choose to explore a further aspect of a subject you’re studying, or another subject, or simply a topic that you have an interest in. This can be music technology, dance, art, photography, a time or period of history, something in the news, a special interest…you must then analyse the findings against your questions and be reflective.

EPQ: Bringing you the skills to succeed Extend your planning, research and presentation skills Develop & improve your own learning and performance as critical, reflective and independent learners Apply decision-making, and where appropriate problem solving skills Learn to apply these skills creatively, and so take the initiative. A chance to show enterprise. Become more confident as e-learners, using technology to enhance your studies

Independent learning skills ~Tutor time delivery ~ Develop and apply decision making Show problem-solving Show initiative and enterprise Questioning and data interpretation Planning, research, critical thinking, Analytical views and evaluation. Referencing Presentation skills Communication skills

What universities say? We value the skills of research and independent learning that the Extended Project is designed to develop. We welcome applications from students offering the Extended Project alongside A levels. As the Extended Project is optional it is not a requirement for application. If you offer an Extended Project, it will be taken into account. Your offer may be varied as a result, in recognition of the level of study skills you will have developed. University of Newcastle

Birmingham Bristol Cambridge Cardiff Edinburgh Glasgow Imperial College London Kings College London Leeds Liverpool Russell Group: Top 20 London School of Economics Manchester Newcastle Nottingham Queens Belfast Oxford Sheffield Southampton Warwick

Role of Supervisors Guidance on topic choice and title. Setting targets for next meeting Checking of log A record of mentoring discussion will be kept and forms part of the project. Either face to face or via Marking

Where to look? AQA website – Level 3 Extended project EPQ companion (5 copies in Library) Student Shared Area: Student Shared Area\6th Form\EPQ In here you will find: Independent Study Skills (Tutor time) AQA marking and guidance documents

Dual Accreditation What this means is you can not submit the same piece of work for your EPQ and one of your A-Level subjects.

Gantt Chart

Gantt chart? A graphical representation of the duration of tasks against the progression of time. Used for effective time management Lays out the order in which the tasks need to be carried out.

The Gantt chart is constructed: A horizontal axis representing the total time span of the project, broken down into increments (days, weeks, or months) A vertical axis representing the tasks that make up the project. Excel can be used to create electronic versions (not essential though) How to make a Gantt Chart

What is the purpose of the Gantt Chart Detail your project development Communicate your outline Annotate & account for changes you make Demonstrate evidence of Problem solving and decision making

Example

Assessment Process NOT Content

A04: Review AO2: Use Resources A03:Develop and Realise A01: Manage Project Management in EPQ Courtesy of the University of Manchester EPQ journey

Assessment Objective AO1 AO1Manage Identify, design, plan, and carry out a project, applying a range of skills, strategies and methods to achieve objectives. Up to 10 marks 20%

Assessment Objective AO3 AO2Use Resources Research, critically select, organise and use information, and select and use a range of resources. Analyse data apply relevantly and demonstrate understanding of any links, connections and complexities of the topic. Up to 10 marks 20%

Assessment Objective AO2 AO3Develop and Realise Select and use a range of skills, including, where appropriate, new technologies and problem-solving, to take decisions critically and achieve planned outcomes. Up to 20 marks 40%

Assessment Objective AO4 AO4Review 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. Up to 10 marks 20%

Grade Boundaries A*=45 A=40 B=35 C=30 D=25 E=20

So what next?... Over February Half term: 1.Think about an area of study and 3 varied topics you are interested in 2.Think of a research titles to accompany your choice of topics – MAKE THEM SPECIFIC TITLES. 3.Complete a Gantt Chart to show the timeline of your project and the potential process you will follow. 4.Designate your preferred assessment method. 5.You will then be assigned a mentor based on your topic for an initial meeting after the ASPIRE trip.

Key dates MAKE CONTACT WITH SUPERVISOR: By 5 th March INITIAL MEETING WITH SUPERVISOR: By 12 TH March (RTC will formally approve titles after review with supervisors by 14 th March) TITLE AGREED BY SUPERVISOR: Monday 19 th March INITIAL PLANNING REVIEW: W/B 26 th March MID-TERM REVIEW: W/B 2 nd July END OF PROJECT REVIEW: W/B 17 TH September FINAL DRAFT: Friday September 28 th PRESENTATIONS: W/B 1 st October MODERATION: W/B 8 th October SEND TO AQA: Friday 26 th October

Group Meetings Meetings will take place fortnightly as a group to feedback on process and development. This will be in the form of a 2 minute presentation to the group and you can use your production log to guide you. TIME: Lunchtime (1.20 – 2.10) DAY: Wednesday week B LOCATION: L5 START DATE: 28 th March

GOOD LUCK!