Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Course Leader: Brett Byatt

Examination Board: AQA

Assessment

Either

• A written report e.g. an essay

• An artefact e.g. a film

• A production e.g. a charity event

“The more research you do, the more at ease you are in the world you're writing about. It doesn't encumber you, it makes you free.” -  A.S. Byatt

 Course description

EPQ is an A-level standard standalone qualification designed to extend and develop your students' abilities beyond the A-level syllabus and prepare for university or their future career.

What you will study?

The EPQ allows students to lead their own projects. Students get to plan and carry out research on a topic that they've chosen that isn't covered by their other subjects. They can take inspiration from something touched on in class or something personal and unrelated to their current studies. This research then informs their report, artefact or production. By taking responsibility for the choice, design and decision making of an individual project (or an individual role in a group project) students:

• Become more critical, reflective and independent learners

• Develop and apply decision-making and problem-solving skills

• Increase their planning, research, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills

• Learn to apply technologies confidently

• Demonstrate creativity, initiative and enterprise

Future Pathways

It is recognised by universities and employers. Many universities make lower A-level offers to students undertaking an EPQ.

Extra-curricular opportunities

Trips to university libraries. Students are directed to relevant conferences and speakers based on their research topic.