EPQ is an A-level standard standalone qualification designed to extend and develop student abilities beyond the A-level syllabus and prepare for university or their future career. • It can be taken as an extension of other Level 3 qualifications. • It is worth half an A-level (up to 28 UCAS points) • It is a recognized qualification by universities and employers • Many universities make lower A-level offers to students undertaking an EPQ. The EPQ allows students to lead their own projects. Students get to plan and carry out research on a topic that they’ve chosen and which is not covered by their other qualifications. They can take inspiration from a subject touched on in class or a topic that is personal to them and unrelated to their studies. They then use this research to produce a written report, and in the case of practical projects, an artefact or a production. By taking responsibility for their choice, design, and decision-making of an individual project (or an individual role in a group subject) students will: • 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