1. The Extended Project Qualification
Sue Ashwin Vice Principal
& Nasim Jahangir EPQ Co-ordinator

2. Context Inner City Multi cultural Sixth Form College
2200 Level 3 learners
Around 90% progression into HE
Broad Level 3 curriculum offer including
extensive enrichment and growing
extension opportunities

3. Why introduce it? Who is it for? What does it entail?
and then the EPQ…
Why introduce it?
Who is it for?
What does it entail?
Early considerations

4. What is the EPQ Qualification?
Part of the education reform programme
Created to provide additional stretch and
challenge
Definition : “offers the opportunity for
learners to produce an extended piece of
work either in an area that they are already
studying or in which they have a particular
interest”

5. Why do a project?
As a way to show employers and universities that you have a good range of appropriate skills for work and further study
To link your interests, subject choices and future
plans
To show that you are a creative, aware and
successful student
To get UCAS application points
To take responsibility for your own learning (and
enjoy it!)

6. What people say about it
“We would wish to recognise and encourage this extended piece of
independent work undertaken by the learner”. University of Bristol
“The University welcomes the introduction of the extended project qualification.
Some of our departments may include the extended project as part of an offer, particularly where it has relevance to their subject”. University of Bath
“Whilst we will not be including achievement in the extended project in our typical offer, for highly selective programmes where competition for places is intense, the applicant may be able to demonstrate through their personal statement and reference that their application is stronger due to their experience in undertaking the project, and we will give careful consideration to this when considering individual applications”. University of Exeter

7. For consideration What it involves is:-
Choosing an area of interest – this may be related to an aspect of A-level work, or something entirely different.
Learners choose a title for the project, and outline what they are aiming to do
They plan, research & carry out the project, keeping records of everything done.
deliver a presentation on the project, where questions are asked by a panel.

8. The Final Project… What candidates are assessed on:
A completed production log
This records ideas and plans, how research was undertaken,
details of the stages gone through, a self assessment of how it went etc
A written report
Other evidence as appropriate (e.g. for a student
writing and directing a play, the play script, a video of the performance)
The presentation

9. How the EP is organised at QE
Two hours per week on timetable – 1 hour
research input – ‘taught skills’ – 1 hour 1:1
supervision
16 students per group
SUPERVISORS NOT TEACHERS!

10. The finished Project could be….
a written report
a book or guide
a performance
a piece of art
an exhibition
a piece of music or a film
a website or a piece of computer software
a model or construction
a video diary

11. QE EPQ Timeline
Download application form from QE online from 14th March
Complete and submit to reception by 1pm Friday
26th March
Request references from personal tutor
EPQ team access other relevant information (MEGS,
attendance, progress)
Inform students by end May
First meeting Wednesday 9th June

12. EPQ Selection Criteria at QE
GCSE Maths and English C or above
Currently achieving at or above 3 out of 4
MEGS (target grade)
90%+ attendance
Strongly supportive reference from personal
tutor
Application form

13. An alternative to General Studies Just another A-level to add
What the EPQ is NOT
An alternative to General
Studies
Just another A-level to add
to UCAS forms

14. Piloted in 2008 – 52 candidates Results
EPQ ‘history’ at QE
Piloted in 2008 – 52
candidates
Results A* A B C D E 10 13 14 8 5 6

15. 2009 – 250 applications – 105 places offered – 94 completers Results
EPQ ‘history’ at QE
2009 – 250 applications – 105 places
offered – 94 completers
Results A* A B C D E U 17 16 29 21 4 6 1

16. EPQ ‘history’ at QE
2010 – 310 applications – 150 places
offered – 134 currently on the
course
Outcomes ?????? Yet unknown!

17. What past students say about the EPQ
The nature of the project encouraged independent thinking and provoked a personal response to the idea of my project, rather than being told what to do.
It has helped me to learn the importance of organisation and timekeeping and these are valuable qualities to have.
I am glad I did this project and it was certainly well worth my time. It has helped me learn vital skills and has helped to prepare for future interviews and for university.
I think the main learning outcome from doing this project is the ability of independent study and planning and researching . I think the preparation work for my project was vital as in most of my subjects we do not get the opportunity to actually conduct research and find information from a range of sources.

18. AQA website- www.aqa.org.uk Contact Nas Jahangir nj@wqeic.ac.uk
Further information
AQA website-
Contact Nas Jahangir

19. The Extended Project Qualification
Sue Ashwin Vice Principal
& Nasim Jahangir EPQ Co-ordinator