A Level Curriculum

Extended Project Qualification

The EPQ rewards the process and journey of the project more than the end product or result. The end product is either a long report (5,000 words) or an artefact & report (1,000 words) and the completed projectcarries up to 28 UCAS points (slightly more than an AS qualification).

Many universities value EPQ from applicants and some offer places including EPQ in the offer, sometimes with slightly lower A Level grades required.

The EPQ is valuable for a number of reasons. Firstly, pupils are able to select a topic for their project about which they have a genuine interest and excitement. The topic does not need to fall under a traditional subject. Pupils can undertake research into areas of experience outside of school for example horse riding, windsurfing, or volunteering at a local community centre. Pupils therefore find the EPQ to be a rewarding and energising learning experience. Secondly, the EPQ supports pupils in developing the skills and aptitudes that are necessary for working or for undergraduate study. For example, pupils are assessed on ‘managing the project’ (20% of the overall mark) for which they must demonstrate planning and prioritising of tasks, meeting interim and final deadlines and attending supervision sessions ready and prepared to discuss their work. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the EPQ can be used to add significant weight to an application for UCAS, an apprenticeship or work by demonstrating the pupil’s interest and ability in a particular area. This can be especially true for pupils applying to highly competitive courses such as Law and Medicine.