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St Thomas More Catholic Secondary School

St Thomas More
Catholic Secondary School

What is A Level EPQ about?

It provides an opportunity for students to extend their abilities beyond the A-level syllabus, stand out and prepare for university or their future career. It can also be used to earn extra UCAS points.

Teachers

Head of Department:

V Millar

Qualification:

The Extended Project is a Level 3 qualification.

It is worth up to 70 UCAS points

Examination Board:

AQA

What does the course consist of?

Students develop an initial idea for a project they may wish to carry out, which could consist of a written project of 5000 words or an artefact. Students initially discuss their idea with their supervisor, researching their ideas to facilitate the development of their project. From there they create a formal project proposal that includes their project aims, initial plans and likely format in which to present their project.

On completion of the project students must give a presentation which should be for a non-specialist audience using media appropriate to the type of project. This could take a number of forms including slides for a large audience, contributing to a poster session or exhibition, or a witnessed one-to-one ‘viva’ presentation to the supervisor. The presentation must include a live question and answer session overseen by the supervisor.

Students complete a Production Log as they carry out their projects. It records the following key information:

  • Planning review meeting between the learner and the supervisor following project approval
  • Mid-project review with the supervisor
  • End-of-project review with the supervisor
  • Summary and evaluation of the project
  • A record of the presentation
  • Reflection on the complete project process

The completed Production Log, the Project product (including a written element). Evidence in support of their project, and the presentation are assessed together by the supervisor at the end of the process.

Sample question

Students will develop their own question with the help of their project supervisor.

Past questions include:

  • How did Eva Peron influence society and politics in Argentina between 1946–52?
  • Is hypnosis more dangerous than it is useful?
  • Do the ecological problems in the UK and the UAE need different solutions when it comes to environmentally friendly housing?
  • To what extent has the policies on homelessness changed throughout the UK as an effect of devolution by the UK government?
  • What is the most effective treatment relating to the pathogenesis and development of Alzheimer’s Disease?

Whom does the subject suit?

The Extended Project will develop and extend from one or more of the students study areas and/or from an area of personal interest or activity outside of school that they are interested in. It is a unique opportunity for students to develop a project about a subject area that interests them.

What websites are useful to look at?

http://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/teachers/students/post-16/extended-project/

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/projects/aqa-certificate/EPQ-7993/teaching-and-learning-resources

http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/125097/resources_and_support/2062/extended_project_qualification