1. THE EPQ
How will it help you?

2. Why choose the EPQ? Undertaking an Extended Project can support your
application to Higher Education by:
Reducing the level of an offer
Giving your application preference, on highly selective courses over students who have not undertaken EPQ
Providing a focus for valued content within your personal statement
Providing a major focus for interview discussion

3. University examples
In recognition of the level of study skills required..
Newcastle/Bristol some admissions tutors may make two alternate offers e.g. AAA at A Level or AAB at A Level plus EPQ
Newcastle/Bristol EPQ can be offered as the additional AS pass where one is required
LSE may take the EPQ into account when students fail to reach their offer
Cambridge: Students who use the EPQ as a focus for valued content within the personal statement are looked upon favourably

4. Choosing your topic Identify a theme that…
…you’re really interested in
… you’re curious about
…you know something - but not
everything - about already
… that you can
realistically research
…that’s related to your plans
for the future, e.g. study
at university or
possible career
For your EP you really can work on anything at all. In this regard it’s a great opportunity, probably quite unlike anything you’re used to doing at school or college. This might be really exciting, especially if you already know what topic you’d like to focus on. However it might equally be a bit daunting – the range of possibilities can seem overwhelming.
You will benefit most from the project if you don’t try to recycle things you’ve already explored in your education to date – for instance looking again at the same aspect of roman history that you did for GCSE. You also need to avoid drawing on the same research or fieldwork that you’re submitting for another A-level or equivalent qualification.
It’s good to think broadly to begin with, so that you really explore your options before diving in – this is something you’ll be spending a lot of time and energy on so you want to make sure you ultimately focus on the right topic. The EP may be something you’re doing just because it sounds really interesting and challenging. For instance, you may want to use it to explore something that isn’t on your subject curricula. But you may also want to think a little more strategically about it – could you maybe use it to explore a topic that will relevant to your choice of university course or a job after school? Having conducted your own independent research into a relevant topic could really strengthen that university or job application, and give you something that you can talk confidently about at interviews.
The activities that follow will help you to explore your interests and ideas, and guide you through some of these considerations in more detail.

5. Your research question
Once you have decided on your research topic, it is important to identify a focussed question.
General topic
Focussed research question ?
A good research question provides you with your starting point

6. Type of Extended Project
Essay
Artefact VS

7. The ‘essay type’ project
Minimum of 5000 words (no upper word limit)
Formal essay/report with introduction, footnotes, structured discussion of the topic, conclusion
Detailed bibliography required
Paignton Zoo’s place in Animal Conservation.
Stem cell research; What is it? Is it ethical?
The feasibility of High Speed Rail Links in the UK.
Heart surgery from it’s inception to modern techniques

8. The ‘artefact’ project
An artefact, project diary or equivalent must show the entire process through sketches, photographs etc.
1000 words explaining process, problems, the improvements that could be made, the decisions, choice of materials etc.
Detailed bibliography required
Examples
A mood light created to help autistic children
Organise, promote and run a Dodgeball competition for charity
Design, create and evaluate a suitable departmental webpage
Organise, promote and run a talent showcase to raise money for charity
Design, create and test an activity quilt suitable for a baby
NOT NECESSARILY LESS WORK (IN FACT QUITE THE OPPOSITE)

9. How is it assessed (out of 50)
Planning thoroughly throughout = 10 marks
Making use of your resources is worth = 10 marks
Clearly showing problems/solutions and modifications to your plan = 20 marks
Reflectively evaluating strengths/weaknesses of sources/yourself = 10 marks
APPROX. GRADE BOUNDARIES
A*= 45
A = 40
B = 35
C = 30
D = 25
E = 20

10. The year ahead
October 2017
December 2017
April 2018
May 2018

11. Frequently asked questions….
Can we work together? No students may work together on their EPQ unless their titles are significantly different to not overlap Can I research an area I already study? No . Your project cannot overlap with anything that is already on a syllabus you study Is the EPQ project optional? Yes. Are EPQ lessons compulsory? Yes . Every lesson is compulsory and you will be registered. Failure to attend 2 or more lessons will result in a warning letter being sent home and discussion with staff.