Academic : Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
During Year 12 (Lower Sixth) every student undertakes the AQA Extended Project Qualification (EPA). The EPQ provides UCAS points towards university application and provides strong proof of in-depth research and presentational skills hitherto boasted perhaps exclusively by those studying towards the International Baccalaureate.Every student will be required, with appropriate supervision to:
- choose and area of interest
- draft a title and aims of the project for formal approval by the Centre
- plan, research and carry out the project
- deliver a presentation to a specified audience
- provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment
The EPQ is graded A*-E and offers UCAS points as follows: A* - 70, A - 60, B- 50, C - 40, D - 30, E - 20
Three universities have recently commented:
Newcastle - "We value the skills of research and independent learning that the EPQ is designed to develop. We welcome applications from students offering the EPQ alongside their 'A' levels. If you offer an Extended Project it will be taken into account. Your offer may be varied as a result, in recognition of the level of study skills you will have developed."
Bristol - "The University recognises that some 'A' level students may also choose to offer the EPQ. In such cases some Admissions Tutors may make two alternative offers, one of which involved success in the EPQ (e.g. either AAA at 'A' level or AAB at 'A' level plus the EPQ."
Sheffield - "Although the EPQ is not currently included in our standard entry requirements we do encourage students to complete an EPQ, where possible, as we value the development of skills in independent study and research, which an EPQ can offer. Undertaking an EPQ in a subject which is related to the course or discipline which you wish to progress into at the University will provide useful additional preparation and may be taken into account by Admissions Tutors when making decisions between applicants of equal academic standing."