Enrichment Subject (if required) - Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Course summary

The school offers the AQA Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), this is a Level 3 course taken in the Summer term of Year 12. The project requires students to create a single piece of work, requiring a high degree of planning, researching, preparation and autonomous working. Each student completes their work on a different topic that can relate to their A-Level or BTEC studies but is not taught as part of the course. The course is offered in addition to three A-Level subjects or BTEC equivilant and requires persistence over time and research skills to explore a subject independently in real depth. Many students will choose to complete an extended essay (5,000 words is the common guideline) to fulfil this criteria, but it could also be a musical or dramatic composition, report or artefact, with a 1500 report to accompany it. Students are also expected to deliver a presentation on the project after completion as well as complete a detailed production log showing their EPQ journey. The EPQ is highly regarded as it helps to encourage independent learning and prepares students for higher education. Benefits of doing an EPQ: Students can include it on their UCAS application, and it could help them meet the conditions of a university place offer, as it's worth half an A-Level. A number of universities will alter their offer based on a specific grade gained for the EPQ. • The opportunity to produce a piece of work that’s truly individual, whether it’s a written research report, event or creative artefact • It clearly demonstrates a passion for the subject - particularly useful if the student chooses to study the subject at degree level • It shows self-motivation and relevant skills to future employers