AQA

Course Overview

The Extended Project Qualification is a single piece of work of a student’s choosing that requires evidence of planning, preparation, research and independent learning. It is the equivalent of an AS Level and is graded A*-E.

An Extended Project might be:

  • A report with findings from an investigation or study
  • A dissertation/essay presenting an argument
  • An artefact/item of design
  • A performance

The Extended Project offers opportunities for students to have significant input into the choice and design of an extended piece of work so that you can create your own project. The EPQ enables students to develop a wide range of academic skills which are vital for university study. These include:

  • Decision-making and problem-solving skills, initiative and enterprise;
  • Planning, research, analytical, evaluation and presentation skills;

The Extended Project enables students to use their learning experiences to support their personal aspirations for higher education and career development. The skills that students develop through the Extended Project are excellent preparation for university-level study. Students can refer to the Extended Project in their UCAS personal statements and at interview to demonstrate some of the qualities that universities are looking for and some universities such as Sheffield and Southampton give preferential offers for those who study the EPQ.

Project titles can be incredibly varied, below are listed a selection of previous titles:

  • To what extent does the Afghan legal system protect the rights of women in Afghanistan?
  • Are passwords an out-of-date technology for authentication?
  • To what extent can the genre of ‘dark fiction’ allow for an exploration of feminist concerns?
  • To what extent has Hip Hop dance evolved and changed from its origins?
  • Is the payday loan market ethical and how should it be regulated?
  • Is it technically and economically feasible to construct a transatlantic tunnel capable of supporting a high-speed maglev transportation system?
  • Is hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) a good idea for the UK?
  • How important was Bletchley Park to the Allied Victory of WW2?
  • Does the freedom of the press outweigh the people’s right to privacy?
  • Are alternative treatments a ‘real’ alternative to conventional drug treatments in the management of pain?
  • To what extent can current immunological research advance cancer treatments?
  • Could stem cell research lead to a viable cure for Alzheimer’s disease?
  • Can Britain in the 21st Century still be regarded as a patriarchal society?
  • Should hypnotherapy be funded by the NHS?
  • Is there a case for regarding biofuels as the fuels of the future?

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Objectives Weighting
AO1 Manage
Identify, design, plan, and carry out a project, applying a range of skills, strategies and methods to achieve objectives.		 20%
AO2 Use Resources
Research, critically select, organise and use information, and select and use a range of resources. Analyse data apply relevantly and demonstrate understanding of any links, connections and complexities of the topic.		 20%
AO3 Develop and Realise
Select and use a range of skills, including, where appropriate, new technologies and problem-solving, to take decisions critically and achieve planned outcomes.		 40%
AO4 Review
Evaluate all aspects of the extended project, including outcomes in relation to stated objectives and own learning and performance.
Select and use a range of communication skills and media to present evidenced project outcomes and conclusions in an appropriate format.		 20%

Entry requirements

Students need to think creatively, be self-motivated and self-directed in their work. They will have the opportunity to explore an interest which may be linked to a hobby or interest or perhaps one of their studies or chosen career interest, and will need to be able to manage and organise the project from start to finish.

For further information click the link below:

AQA

 

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/projects/aqa-certificate/EPQ-7993