Extended Project Qualification (Level 3)
Introduction
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a new and challenging course offered at AS Level. It gives students the opportunity to produce an in-depth project on a subject of their choosing, and is designed to develop independent learning skills. The Extended Project assesses a student’s ability to plan, carry out, report on and evaluate a project. It is a student-led enquiry based mode of learning, designed to stretch and challenge.
Facilities
As a large component of the course is developing research skills, most of the teaching is delivered in a classroom with IT facilities and internet access. Students also have access during these times to the school’s library facilities to make full use of all available resources.
Curriculum
The AQA Specification (Level 3) is followed and students are required to:
- Choose a topic to study
- Complete a Production Log to document the project process
- Plan, research and carry out their project
- Prepare and deliver a presentation on the outcome to a specified audience
The EPQ offers opportunities for students to:
- Have a significant input into the choice and design of their project
- Develop and improve their own learning and performance as critical, reflective and independent learners
- Develop and apply decision-making and, where appropriate, problem-solving skills
- Extend their planning, research, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills
- Develop and apply skills creatively, demonstrating initiative and enterprise
- Use their learning experiences to support their personal aspirations for higher education and career development
General
The EPQ is offered as a stand-alone course at AS Level, but is also an integral component of the IT Diploma and Pre-teaching courses available as part of the Sixth Form Curriculum. It offers students a unique opportunity to develop essential skills for higher education and the work-place, in a subject area of their own choice.
Staff
Staffing is structured in the following way:
Joint Project Coordinators – Mrs Moore/Mr Schofield
Project Supervisor – Mrs Moore
All lessons are taught by Mrs Moore, but depending on their choice of topic, students may require some advice and support from time-to-time during the year from a mentor, who will be a subject specialist in their chosen area.
