Extended Project Qualification

Why study an EPQ?

This is a Level 3 qualification that provides students with the opportunity to research and write a dissertation, carry out a scientific investigation, work on a performance (eg music, drama, sport) or design an artefact (eg painting, sculpture, website, graphic design). Students will learn valuable skills for university such as how to write an abstract, how to construct a literature review and Harvard referencing as well as the opportunity to develop critical, reflective, problem-solving and independent learning skills. Students independently select their title and, throughout the course of approximately 8 months, they plan, research and evaluation their project guided by a teacher who acts as a mentor for the entire process.

Key facts:

• An A* in EPQ equals 28 UCAS points or half an A level

• Teaches students to Manage (A01), Use Resources (A02), Develop & Realise (A03) & Review (A04)

• Recognised by an increasing number of Universities and can result in a lower entry offer for University

• Provides key life skills both for Further Education and in preparing students for life

• Last year, 43 students completed an EPQ at Holyport College with 40 students achieving either and A or A* grade

• 35% of the university offers received by Holyport College students last year we reduced offers due to the EPQ