Study Skills

Course summary

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to half an A-Level) for which students are required to complete a piece of detailed, individual research, based on a subject of their choice. The EPQ is particularly beneficial to students as they prepare for their future at university, where they will be expected to work independently and with initiative, think creatively and approach their studies strategically – all skills they must also demonstrate to excel in the EPQ. Successful completion of the EPQ requires the submission of a completed production log and assessment record, a written report (5000 words) and a presentation of the completed project for assessment. Part of the course also includes a compulsory taught skills programme (30 hours), which is designed to further enhance students’ research skills, including how to research, time management, how to reference, and how to plan an essay. All Lower Sixth pupils will be taught these skills, as they underpin all Sixth Form and University study as well as preparing pupils for starting the EPQ. Completed during the course of Lower Sixth, with guided independent work, students are responsible for the choice and design of their project, allowing them to increase their confidence to work independently and creatively, while also providing them with plenty of practice in essay writing and autonomous research. It has been reported that students who have undertaken the project have often been asked to talk about what they have learned at university interviews, and as such, completing the project in Year 12 will enable pupils to discuss their EPQ in their personal statements. This additional qualification allows our students to distinguish themselves from others, while also enabling them to perfect key academic skills and become more critical, reflective and independent learners, which will better prepare them for the challenges of A-level courses and beyond.