The Extended Project Qualification is designed to develop key skills such as researching, project management, academic writing, and referencing. The overall aim is to produce either a 5000 word report on a topic of the candidate’s choice or what is referred to as an ‘artefact’, often a performance, artwork, or other physical creation. Students  record each stage of the process and their decisions in a ‘production log’, for which we use a piece of software called Project Q. Finally they will give a presentation explaining their topic, how they completed the project, and what they have learnt.

To support our students through this process we provide a program of ‘taught skills’ which are delivered during a weekly timetabled lesson. These sessions teach students how to conduct their research effectively, how to use accepted referencing systems, as well as many other skills which will be invaluable both for the extended project and for those who choose to pursue a university degree. It has been shown that completing an EPQ can improve a student’s chances of achieving A*-B at A level by 29%, and that it also makes them more likely to achieve a 1^st or 2:1 at university.

Each student is assigned a staff supervisor whose job it is to guide them through their EPQ journey. However, the course is geared towards independent study, with AQA advising 90 hours of self-directed study time over the course of the year. Students must be disciplined in setting deadlines and meeting them, as they will be marked on their capacity to manage their own workload.

Titles of some Extended Projects Qualifications that have been undertaken by our Sixth Form students:

• How does the superhero film genre reflect the complexity of the modern audience?

• How has Westernisation influenced Japanese literature?

• The Stonewall Uprising: How the LGBTQ+ community has progressed since this catalyst to the movement and what still needs to change.

• The importance of espionage in closing the gap in the arms race 1940-1955.

• Does society need psychopaths?

• How did women disrupt the patriarchy in Ancient Greek and Roman mythology, religion and literature?

• How do terrorist organisations and counter organisations use technology?

• Should there be ethical boundaries within medical research?

• Animal Eugenics: Why does it still take place and what are the implications?

• How are new laws affecting the use of organ transplants?