What is the EPQ?
The EPQ is a new qualification from AQA and is worth ½ an A Level. It is an opportunity to do a project in a subject area in which you are interested. It provides a context for developing critical thinking and project management skills……skills which are widely transferable, and which will help you become a more confident student in other areas of study. The EPQ assesses your ability to plan, carry out, report on, and evaluate a project.
What will I have to do?
The emphasis of the assessment is on the process, a presentation and report, and other appropriate evidence of your work. You will have to:
- Choose your topic or your area of interest that will form your individual project and submit this for formal approval.
- Identify and draft the main aims and objectives of your project.
- Plan, research and carry out your project, producing evidence at all stages of your project…..this is where your organisational skills are needed!
- Produce evidence at all stages of the project process.
- Produce a written report the length of which will depend on the nature of your project. For instance, if most of your project work involves the production of an artefact or product [eg photographic record; a performance or recording; a prototype or model; a slide or powerpoint presentation; a computer programme etc] then your written report will be a minimum of 1000 words.
- Deliver a presentation about your project in a way that is appropriate for a non specialist audience.
- Review and reflect on the whole project process.
Why do EPQ?
- As a way to show employers and universities that you have a good range of appropriate skills for work and further study.
- To link your subject choices, interests and future plans.
- To contextualise your learning.
- To show you are a creative, aware and successful student.
- To make a difference to others.
- To get UCAS points.
- To take responsibility for your own learning…and enjoy it.
When identifying a project you will:
>have a high degree of choice and flexibility.
>have the advice and support of a supervisor.
>talk to lots of people to help you make the choice that is appropriate and achievable.
How is the EPQ different from your core studies?
> It requires independent research and learning to extend your studies.
> Students choose their path of study.
> Students have to plan, deliver and present their project work.
> Whilst there will be some taught elements, the majority of the learning requires
your own self-
What should you do now?
If you are interested then go on the following website and look at examples of past projects and the marks they achieved.
http://web.aqa.org.uk/over/epq_trb.php
Look in particular at the “Additional Extended Project Samples”, where you can see a wide variety of completed examples and the marks they achieved as well as the level of work required.
Titles include:
- Evolution of Women’s Fashion and Changing Views of the Female Figure.
- Music and Meaning.
- Choreography Based on Slavery.
- Policy and Practice of Hospitals with Regard to MRSA.
- Electoral Systems in UK and Germany.
- The Automation of Bank Statement Analysis.
- Design and make a dress and accessories from recycled materials.
- An analysis of the personality of Alexander The Great.
- Clearing Up Space Junk. [This was presented in Moscow as part of the Space Olympics!]
Plus a delightful animation entitled “Winter Ted”
The list of possible projects is endless.
If after reading this you are enthusiastic about doing the EPQ you should see Mrs Percival to express an initial interest and make further arrangements.
Exam Board: AQA