The Extended Project Qualification has become an increasingly popular way of developing skills that are vital to pupils as they move from secondary to higher education, from school to university. In making this transition, our Sixth Formers need to become self-directed in their approach to learning. The Extended Project aims to develop this skill in ways that are innovative and challenging, to deepen understandings, forge expertise and widen perspectives. Although the successful completion of an A-level course is a necessary stepping stone along any Sixth Former’s educational path, the prescriptive nature of such specifications does not always allow other fields and topics that may be of interest to the individual to be investigated. This is where the Extended Project comes in. It provides opportunities for the development of critical, reflective, problem-solving and independent learning skills through the planning, research and evaluation of a self-selected research question. Throughout their in-depth study, candidates have a dedicated Extended Project tutor who oversees their progress, and they are also taught by other staff members of the Extended Project team. During the course, pupils will: identify and evaluate sources of evidence; research information online; develop critical thinking skills; consider ethical considerations; analyse evidence-based research; put forward convincing arguments; identify a project topic and research question; devise and revise a project proposal; organise a research timetable; locate and access research sources; structure a project; undertake a literature review; become familiar with conventions of academic writing;