Extended Project Qualification
Examination Board: AQA Level 3 Qualification
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a Level 3 qualification, equivalent to half an A2 and can be graded A* - E. Learners may choose to take the EPQ in addition to their 3 A level subjects, as an extension from their other A2 qualifications or explore areas of personal interest or activity outside the main programme of study. Delivery of the EPQ will involve some teaching of the relevant skills (1 lesson per week), plus mentoring and supervision of the learner’s progress. It will also involve extended independent work by the learner.
Students should be aware that this is a process qualification, during which they will develop important skills which can enhance performance at university. Learners are required to:
- choose an area of interest
- draft a project title
- draft aims of the project
- plan, research and carry out the project
- provide evidence of all stages of project production
- deliver a presentation to a specified audience
- evaluate their final product and their learning journey
The product can be in the form of a written report of 5000 words or as a design / performance / artefact, along with a minimum 1000 word report. In either format learners need to be working at A2 standard. Alongside the project learners complete a Production Log, in which learners record key information about their learning journey.
There are 3 parts to the assessment:
- The Project
- The Production Log
- The Presentation
All 3 aspects are assessed by the Centre and moderated by an external moderator.
In previous years students from Guiseley School have had lower offers from universities if a certain level of EPQ is achieved. Some universities, particularly in the North, preferentially take EPQ students. Durham University, for example, has 36% of students with EPQ while the uptake of EPQ nationwide is currently less than 5%.
In 2017, T Gill reported that the chance of getting A* to B grades in A levels was enhanced by 29% by taking an EPQ.
(T Gill. 2017 An analysis of the effect of taking the EPQ on performance on other level 3 qualifications. Cambridge Assessment Publications.