The EPQ is a level 3 qualification which carries a UCAS tariff worth half an A-level and can result in some universities making a lower A-level offer. However, it is much more intrinsically valuable than that; the EPQ provides students with the opportunity to research their chosen topic and present it in a way that suits them. It helps students develop the kind of research skills that both universities and employers highly value. Formal lessons – one period per week - begin in the November of Year 12. There are taught and supervisory elements to the programme which your assigned supervisor will take you through until your final presentation in October of Year 13. The real learning, however, will take outside of the classroom as you do the necessary research. The key deadlines are mid-June of Year 12 for submission of the first draft and September of Year 13 for submission of the final dissertation. Time management is a crucial skill and the most successful students are those who meet the deadlines. The EPQ develops a range of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis and evaluation. Students are taught how to approach research in a critical manner, as well as how to Harvard references. They also develop the ability to manage their own workload. Universities are increasingly keen on the qualification as it prepares students for the demands of their courses. Many students speak positively about this preparation for undergraduate study and many have received reduced grade offers on the basis of a good grade in their EPQ.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Devon |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Day £9,090 - £20,640; Boarding £27,090 - £40,290 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | West Buckland, Barnstaple, EX32 0SX |
The EPQ is a level 3 qualification which carries a UCAS tariff worth half an A-level and can result in some universities making a lower A-level offer. However, it is much more intrinsically valuable than that; the EPQ provides students with the opportunity to research their chosen topic and present it in a way that suits them. It helps students develop the kind of research skills that both universities and employers highly value. Formal lessons – one period per week - begin in the November of Year 12. There are taught and supervisory elements to the programme which your assigned supervisor will take you through until your final presentation in October of Year 13. The real learning, however, will take outside of the classroom as you do the necessary research. The key deadlines are mid-June of Year 12 for submission of the first draft and September of Year 13 for submission of the final dissertation. Time management is a crucial skill and the most successful students are those who meet the deadlines. The EPQ develops a range of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis and evaluation. Students are taught how to approach research in a critical manner, as well as how to Harvard references. They also develop the ability to manage their own workload. Universities are increasingly keen on the qualification as it prepares students for the demands of their courses. Many students speak positively about this preparation for undergraduate study and many have received reduced grade offers on the basis of a good grade in their EPQ.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.