Extended Project Qualification

What is the EPQ?

EPQ stands for extended project qualification. It is a level 3 qualification, and at Beechwood this is delivered as a standalone qualification. Students are required to plan, research and carry out a project of their own choosing, deliver a presentation to a non-specialist audience and provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment.

A project product which consists solely of a research based written report should be approx. 5000 words e.g. report of a scientific investigation, exploration of a hypothesis, extended essay or academic report. Where the chosen product is an artefact there must also be a research based written report of approx. 1000 words. You may also like to include photos of each stage of development.

Why do an EPQ?

The EPQ is worth 50% of an A Level, gaining UCAS points, where an AS is worth 40% of an A Level. It will help develop your research skills and therefore prepare you better for life at University or other further study. You may have a particular interest in an area that isn’t satisfied with the A Level options on offer, and the EPQ is a great opportunity to turn this interest into a qualification.

How will the EPQ be taught?

The guidelines from AQA are that there are 30 taught hours and 90 independent hours to complete your research and project. You will receive a minimum of 30 taught hours over the year, teaching you the necessary skills such at IT skills, researching, using an academic library and writing references. You will also have 1:1 mentoring sessions fortnightly to help support your independent work and keep you on track to meet deadlines.

The EPQ course will run from the January of Year 12 until the December of Year 13.