Extended Project (EPQ)

From September 2011, we will be offering the AQA Extended Project to all Sixth Form students. The project, which is the equivalent of one AS level, allows students to develop their independent learning skills by researching any topic they choose, with the help of a staff supervisor. It can be taken either instead of a fourth A-level subject, or in addition to four A-levels.

All candidates will receive teaching in research methodology. This will include:

1. any skills or techniques that will be required for the safe and effective execution of the project which are not part of the candidate’s course of study. e.g. safe laboratory or workshop technique, professional codes of practice, ethical guidelines, research method
2. ICT skills that will enhance the production of the report and/or the development of the project covering research, analysis and execution research skills including the ability to search for and identify suitable sources of information and prior research or relevant work already undertaken
3. project management skills including time, resource and task management
4. in the case of a performance, production or artefact, the format and content of rehearsal notes, initial sketches or other evidence to document the stages of production
5. in the case of a written research report or investigation, the format and structure of accepted academic form to include abstract, introduction, background research, further research content with all sources cited, discussion, conclusion, references, including the evaluation of sources
6. Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills, Functional Skills and Key Skills

Students will then embark on the project, during which they will:

1. choose a topic to study
2. complete a production log to document the project process
3. plan, research and carry out their project
4. prepare a presentation on the outcome.

The project can take the form of a written dissertation of 5,000 words, a performance, a piece of art, or a multimedia DVD. In addition, all candidates have to give a presentation on their chosen topic to a non-specialist audience, with questions and answers.

For further information, download the sheet of Extended Project FAQs, or speak to the Project Co-ordinator, Mr A G Reid.

In this section:

» The Sixth Form Curriculum

» What are Linear A-levels?

» Courses & subjects

» Choosing your A-levels

» Extended Project (EPQ)

» Timetable for decisions

» Frequently asked questions