Extended Project
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a level 3 qualification which involves students choosing a topic, carrying out research, and producing a report, which can be a dissertation, or another form such as a website, video or even a physical object, referred to as an artefact.
There is a taught element to the course, which teaches you how to research and approach your project. But the larger part of the course is down to you; independently researching and preparing your project. You’re supported by a supervisor, who checks in on your progress through the project.
If this sounds a little like university, you’d be right. The best way to develop the skills you need to succeed in further education and professional employment is through using them, and the best way to do that is through the EPQ. You’ll develop essential skills such as time management, research, planning, problem-solving and presentation.
It’s incredibly valuable if you decide to apply to university, especially if you choose a topic that is relevant to the subject you want to study. Some universities may even reduce entry requirements. The EPQ and the skills you develop will put you one step ahead.
What will I study?
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WJEC Level 3 Extended Project is currently graded A* to E and worth up to half an A level. An A* in the EPQ is worth 70 UCAS points, an A 60, B 50, C 40, D 30 and an E 20.
Your project is assessed in four areas: how well you manage your project, how you use resources, how well you develop and realise your work, and how you review and communicate.
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PROJECT TITLE APPROVAL
You will go through the process of choosing a title which will satisfy your interests and the need ofs of the extended project assessment requirements. This title will be at the core of the whole project, and will normally pose a question which you wil set out to answer.
INITIAL INTERVIEW
You will put together a plan for your project, including a task list, a timeline, and some milestones which you will aim to achieve. We will provide you with taught sessions to develop these skills, and you will do much of the planning in your own time.
MID-PROJECT REVIEW
You will carry out the research phase of your plan, including a preliminary analysis of your researchto your supervisor. We will provide you with taught sessions to develop your research skills.
FINAL INTERVIEW
You will apply your research to make an artefact or wite a dissertation. We will provide you with advice and guidanc. You will need to work almost completely independantly to put your projecr into practice.
PRESENTATION
You will present your artefact, or your key findings from your dissertation to an audience. You will also include a reflection on the process of going through the project. This will form part of the assessment.
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Please contact Miss Swindell for EPQ entry requirements.
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The topics chosen for the Extended Project are as individual and wide ranging as our students. How you choose how to showcase that is up to you.
ARTEFACT
Book
Music Album
Web page
Video documentary
Concert
Theatre production
Item of clothing
Piece of furniture
etc
You will need to show how your research went into your final outcome.
You will need to research your topic and how to make, present and organise your artefact.
DISSERTATIONAn academic piece of writing exploring your area of research and coming to a conclusion which answers the question posed in the title.
You will need to present your research in an academic style.
You will focus on the content of the topic you are researching.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
YOUR NEXT STEPS
The Extended Project Qualification is an independent research programme designed to prepare students for higher education and professional employment. This Level 3 qualification develops essential academic and transferable skills through student-led investigation and project work focused on a topic of personal interest. Students gain valuable research, planning, time management, critical thinking and presentation skills that support their transition to university and career success, with many top universities recognising EPQ achievement through reduced entry requirements.
