Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a course worth approximately half an A level, as the time allocation is one year or 120 guided learning hours. It has been designed to encourage independent research, analysis, communication and presentation skills. This qualification is of particular interest to higher education institutes as it has been designed to prepare students for the skills needed within degree programmes. There is no formal Examination. The EPQ is designed to allow an area of enquiry selected by individual students to be followed and the result of that enquiry presented in the most suitable format. Much of the work is carried out independently supported by approximately 30 hours of tutorial support.
The Extended Project Qualification may explore an area of personal interest, future destination or an activity outside the main programme of study, possibly linked to careers, community work or enterprise. Students interested in the sciences or engineering may wish to follow a line of inquiry in that area. Performing Arts students may wish to develop an area of performance that will extend their knowledge beyond the existing curriculum framework. Creative Art or Design students may wish to produce an artefact or practical outcome that will extend their knowledge and understanding. A formal presentation of the resulting outcome will be made to a third party. A reflective log is kept throughout the whole process.
The course involves extended independent work by the student supported by a mentor and supervising tutor. Students will be expected to produce the following evidence for assessment:
A completed Production Log including the Project Proposal Form-
The Production Log will document the planning and progress of the project, including decision making and reflections on the process.
A Written Report - Must be submitted for assessment of between 1000 and 5000 words. The exact length of each written report will depend on the nature of the project, the subject area or topic chosen and the other evidence provided. A project which consists solely of written work should be approximately 5000 words. For example, an investigation, exploration of a hypothesis or extended essay or academic report. Projects where the majority of the evidence is provided in other formats should include a report or record of work undertaken which is at least 1000 words.
Evidence - Can be provided in any form appropriate to the type of project chosen, and may include:
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An artefact, model or construction.
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A CD/ video/ DVD of performance or activities.
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An audiotape/ multimedia presentation.
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A journal of activities or events.
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A slide or PowerPoint presentation.
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A photographic record of the project.
A Presentation- The presentation should be for non-specialist audience and use media appropriate to the type of project. The presentation could take the form of a verbal or written presentation or may involve the use of flip charts, posters, OHP transparencies, PowerPoints or short excerpts of a video material.
