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EPQ

Our aims for the EPQ

The Extended Project Qualification is designed to showcase students’ abilities as Independent Learners.  Initially students will be taught the skills that they require to produce an outstanding project. During their EPQ they will develop skills such as; effective time management, how to conduct effective research and to be able to critically evaluate sources and evidence. 

Their project can be based on nearly anything and this encourages students to come up with their own research areas based on their own interests.

Over 4 timetabled lessons a fortnight in Year 12, students will complete their Extended Project Qualification. Students must complete the qualification within the same academic year. From this, our Centre will submit their marks to AQA in the November of Year 13 which will ensure students receive their final confirmed grade in the January of Year 13.

The EPQ is a qualification that is based solely on coursework. By the end of Year 12 students will have completed:

  •  Research into their chosen subject area
  • Critically evaluated key areas of research
  • Produced a 5000 word essay that is fully referenced OR an artefact and a 2000-word essay.
  • Planned, created and presented a 10 minute -presentation to their peers on their findings and EPQ process.
  •  Completed their logbook which effectively is a detailed account of their project from start to finish.

Our aims for the HPQ

We are proud to enrich our Key Stage 4 curriculum with the addition of the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ). This opportunity allows a cohort of Year 10 students to develop their independence, confidence, and love of learning beyond the traditional curriculum. The students who participate in the HPQ are encouraged to follow their own interests, ask thoughtful questions, and take ownership of their learning. Throughout the qualification, they demonstrate their ability to develop valuable skills in independent research, organisation, critical thinking, and communication. Our HPQ students embody our school's virtues throughout the process, showing curiosity by asking questions, researching new ideas, and broadening their knowledge beyond their existing specifications. They show creativity by developing their approaches, exploring different perspectives, and producing individual projects. Crucially, HPQ students are encouraged to persevere when facing challenges as their projects develop and employ strategies to evolve their work and overcome problems.

What is involved?

HPQ stands for Higher Project Qualification and is nationally recognised . This is a Level 2 qualification that is the equivalent of half a GCSE. We use the AQA exam board specification.

This subject is taught very differently to any other GCSE. There are no textbooks! There is no specification we have to teach our HPQ cohort.

So, what will this look like in practice?

Initially HPQ students will be taught a range of skills that they need to be successful HPQ student. These include; research skills; critical analysis; project planning and management; communication skills; referencing; using ICT; reflection and evaluation and independent learning. Their Teacher becomes their Supervisor and will oversee and support them with their project once they are confident that they have all the skills they need to be successful.

By the end of Year 11, students will have completed:

  • A production log – A diary that logs the progress the student has made throughout the year.

· Research – A collection of sources and a bibliography that relate to their topic.

· A 2000 word essay OR an artefact and 500+ word essay– answering their hypothesis for their chosen question.

· A presentation – which summarises their project and reflects on their outcomes.

Lessons are taught in addition to a student's 'typical' Year 10 and Year 11 timetable and are delivered during weekly 45-minute lessons. Therefore, by applying to complete a HPQ, students are agreeing to commit to the additional learning time required to complete the qualification.

Examples of Higher Project Qualification proposals:

"Should we read critically in an age of bad media literacy?”  

Has the carbon plate had a good impact on athletics?

How ethical is de-extinction?

How did Japanese ultranationalism effect World War Two?