Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Presented by Mr Orr
What is it? • The EPQ is the production of either a 5,000 word dissertation OR the creation of an artefact alongside a 2,000-5,000 word report. • Students can choose to write their EPQ on anything they wish. • To accompany their essay or artefact will be a Production Log, which will evidence their research and planning. • Upon submission of their essay or artefact, students will present their work to staff, their peers, parents and the wider community.
The course
Initial planning • Students will decide upon a generic focus point for their EPQ. • They will decide which member of staff will be their supervisor. • There will be some minor paperwork in their Production Log for them to complete.
Some of the supervisors Military History, Business Marketing Rugby Union Mr Dwyer Mr Peake Sports Science, Education Mrs Smith Law courts, Art therapy, fine art, Theology alternative film Mr Lee Ms Martin
Presenting the project
What’s the point of it?
How the EPQ is viewed "We welcome the introduction of the Extended Project and would encourage you to undertake one as it will help you develop independent study and research skills and ease the transition from school/college to higher education."
How the EPQ is viewed “Applicants presenting the Extended Project are encouraged to discuss their research in their personal statement and reflect on how undertaking the project will help prepare them for studying their chosen degree at Warwick. Where a department typically makes offers which include a fourth subject at AS level the Extended Project will normally be considered in lieu of this requirement. ”
How the EPQ is viewed “The Extended Project is widely welcomed in principle and in prospect. A large majority of departmental admissions tutors expect to recognise it as a positive attribute when selecting among applicants with similar levels of achievement (both high fliers and those at the borderline). Tutors also welcome its potential to enhance study skills, to align with undergraduate modes of study and to provide additional diagnostic evidence when selecting among applicants. ”
How the EPQ is viewed "All applicants for our Humanities courses and Human and Social Sciences courses undertaking an EPQ will be made an alternative offer alongside our traditional offer. The alternative offer will be one grade reduced from our traditional offer in exchange for an A in the EPQ. For example, for History, whose traditional offer is AAB, we would make an alternative offer of ABBa. It is our hope that this will send out a clear message to students that we value the EPQ, and appreciate the hard work that goes into completing one. ”
Essay samples How does MRSA spread? Is the UK at risk from new germs unaffected by antibiotics? A history of crime and punishment: Which ruler really uses terror to 1066-2014 control their subjects: William I or David Cameron? Are referendums truly democratic? Was the 2014 Scottish referendum a triumph for democracy? Does God exist? Why are so many British teenagers choosing to be atheist?
Who will be involved in the EPQ? Mr Orr/Miss Martin Role: Will teach the necessary taught element skills. Ensure the Production Log is completed for the relevant Parents Supervisor dates. Role: to ensure sufficient/and Role: Will provide academic appropriate amount of time is advise on the particular chosen spent researching the topic at field. home. Have 4 formal meetings on the EPQ Student
How the Academy can support your child 1. Fortnightly timetabled lessons going over requirements and necessary skills. 2. Drop-in advice in OG0 after school on a Wednesday with Mr Orr. 3. Network of staff with experience as EPQ supervisors. 4. (Small) budget available for particularly ambitious projects.
Starting the project
How can you support your child 1. Invest in their chosen topic by taking them to relevant places of interest. 2. Checking the EPQ and Sixth Form Twitter accounts for deadline reminders. 3. Advising on when and how much time they should devote to their EPQ.
What is the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)? The EPQ is a self-motivated project of your own choosing that is the equivalent to an AS level. The project does not involve an examination but instead you will be asked to submit a written report that may also include an artefact. It is graded from A* - U. Why should I bother with the EPQ? AQA Level 3 Universities are increasingly looking beyond the grades potential students gain at the end of A-level. Traditionally, only Oxbridge colleges would ask for interviews yet it is now becoming common practise. By completing the EPQ there is the opportunity to Extended Project discuss an academic topic in considerable detail. In addition, most universities are now offering reduced entry criteria if a student has studied the EPQ. Aside from assisting you in applying to university, the EPQ also introduces the necessary skills for university Qualification (AQA) essays. What skills does the EPQ develop? These transferable skills include: time management; project planning; problem-solving; independence; research; the ability to reflect. How is the EPQ marked? The EPQ is given a mark out of 50. Students will be marked on: management of the project; the use of resources; the development and realisation of the question; and the Mr Orr/Miss Martin conclusions of the research. Role: Will teach the necessary taught element skills. Ensure the Production Log is What should I do for my EPQ? completed for the relevant Parents Supervisor Students have complete control as to their choice of topic. Their choice can be dates. Role: to ensure sufficient/and Role: Will provide academic something related to one of their subjects, to an aspect of their work placement, to appropriate amount of time is advise on the particular chosen something they wish to do at university or a personal interest/hobby that they already spent researching the topic at field. home. Have 4 formal meetings on the have a passion for. Students cannot do their EPQ on a topic that is examined on in their EPQ A-Levels. When does it need to be done by? Their will be several small deadlines spaced out throughout Year 12. The essay/artefact Student will be handed in in September 2015. A presentation on the topic will be delivered in October 2015 before the collated project is handed in for submission in November 2015. How much do I need to write? A written project should consist of 5000 words, whereas the production of an artefact for your EPQ must include a written report of between 1000-5000 words. Additional information can be found at: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/projects/aqa-certificate/EPQ-7993 On twitter @TGAS_EPQ
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