EPQ

Why study this subject? 

Do you enjoy a challenge? Do you get a buzz of satisfaction in solving a mathematical problem? Are you passionate about an idea, event, sport or hobby? Do you want to learn about and pursue an interest in a subject outside of your ordinary lessons? If yes, then take EPQ. 

 

The EPQ qualification is worth approximately half an A Level and could potentially earn you 28 additional UCAS points. It allows you to embark on a largely self-directed and self-motivated project where you choose a topic, plan, research, develop and realise your idea. The project topic may be indirectly related to your main study programme or it can be something completely different of interest to you. 

 

Students who select EPQ may want to use the qualification to gain knowledge and experience of a subject they intend to study at a higher level. Universities regard the qualification highly, as EPQ enables you to become critical, reflective and independent learners. Throughout the course, you will learn to develop and apply decision making and problem solving skills in order to manage and progress your project in a timely fashion. A single piece of work is produced in the form of either a written report, an artifact, an event or a performance and is accompanied by a presentation to a non-specialist audience about the project process.

 

Key Skills: 

• planning 

• research 

• presentation skills 

• critical thinking 

• analysis 

• synthesis 

• evaluation 

 

How is the course structured? 

The course is taught in weekly sessions during the Autumn and Spring terms. All work is completed and submitted by the candidates for Easter. Each session focuses on a ‘taught skill’ delivered by a team of trained teachers in the role of supervisor, overseen by the centre coordinator who approves all candidates’ submissions. Approximately 30-guided hours will be spent on this taught element. The skills essential to the success of the projects are presented to small groups. 

 

These take the form of: 

• learning to research using primary and secondary sources 

• analysing data 

• effective note taking 

• critical analysis of sources 

• avoiding plagiarism 

• referencing sources 

• creating a bibliography using the Harvard system 

• academic writing. 

 

The remaining time is allocated for the students’ independent work and individual supervision and guidance. 

 

How is the course assessed? 

The course is marked and moderated internally. All candidates are required to meet the following four Assessment Objectives: 

AO1 Manage – Identify, design, plan and carry out a project, applying a range of skills, strategies and methods to achieve objectives. 20%. 

AO2 Use Resources – Research, critically select, organize and analyse data from a range of resources. 20%. 

AO3 Develop and Realise – Select and use a range of skills, including, where appropriate, new technologies and problem solving, to take decisions critically and achieve the planned outcome. 40%. 

AO4 Review – Evaluate all aspects of the extended project, including outcomes in relation to stated objectives and own learning and performance. 20%. 

 

What are the opportunities if I choose this course? 

The skills acquired during the duration of the course will underpin all future study. Students who have completed an EPQ will find the transition from A Level to University easier and will be able to be more autonomous in their studies