Starting your EPQ For students studying the AQA Level 3 Extended Project Qualification at Wirral Grammar School for Girls
Advice Booklet 1
An Overview of the EPQ The AQA extended project requires you to complete the following:
The completed production log This is a document summarising your journey through your EPQ; it details your meetings with your subject supervisor including: - Initial meeting - Mid-year meeting - Final meeting
Evidence of your project* This evidence is likely to have different forms, depending on the topic or the nature of your subject. It may be: - An artefact/piece of art - A performance or recording - A model * You don’t need this if you are submitting an entirely written report
A written report You must provide a written report to gain the EPQ; the length of the report depends on the nature of your study. If you have submitted an artefact then you may produce a minimum of 1000 words. However, if your EPQ is entirely report-based, it should be approximately 5000 words (5000 words is the maximum
A presentation Your presentation may be oral or written, but can be delivered through a range of media: it could be a PowerPoint presentation, an exhibition, a performance or a collection of photographs/art work.
How will I be Assessed? The EPQ assesses 4 key areas (assessment objectives).
Total marks = 10 marks To gain marks here, you need to make sure you write a concise title, project aims and objectives. Your project plan should be very detailed with clear evidence of how you will monitor progress against your project plan.
Total marks = 20 marks You need to ensure that provide evidence that you have followed your plan; where you have made changes, these need to be clearly explained and justified. You need to draw your findings together and communicate them fluently.
Total marks = 10 marks To gain the marks here, you must select a wide range of sources. You must evaluate these sources and reference them carefully. You need to analyse the research critically and try to find links.
Total marks = 10 marks Here you will need to provide a conclusion to your project. You will also need to produce a detailed evaluation of your project, including strengths and weaknesses in your ability to conduct the project.
Detailed information about each assessment objectives can be found in the AQA specification.
Stages in your EPQ STAGE 1: Starting out on your project
STAGE 2: Researching your project Conduct your planned research
Select your topic/area of interest Decide on a project outline and the main objective of your project Plan your project to meet the initial objective Agree the project title with your supervisor (initial meeting)
Complete the Project Proposal Form in the Production Log.
Record your research findings (and ensure you keep a record of all your sources) Meet with your subject supervisor to share your research (mid– year meeting) Amend your planning, if necessary, and keep detailed notes about any changes made to your plan. Record your research in your Production Log.
STAGE 4: Presenting your Project
STAGE 3: Producing your project/artefact/performance
Share your project using appropriate media (This may be PowerPoint presentation or an exhibition.
Create your written report* *remember this should be between 1000 and 5000 words (5000 words if the project is entirely report based (without a performance/artefact)
Your presentation needs to be recorded in your Production Log
Written reports and artefact/ performance submitted.
STAGE 5: Reviewing/finalising and submitting your project You need to reflect on your project, discussing challenges and how you overcame these. Complete your Production Log, including your reflections
Stage 1: Proposal Title The first step in the process of the EPQ is selecting your project title. When selecting your proposal title, you need to consider the following: Your title must not overlap with any aspect of your current A-Levels or other academic awards (e.g. Silver Crest Award in Science) Your title should be original (please don’t use a title you know has been covered before, or submit something you have produced before) Your title may be a question or a hypothesis Your title may take one of two forms: A working title if the end product is a report A working objective where the end product is an artefact, software program, event or performance Once you have submitted your initial proposal, which should be recorded in your Production Log, your supervisor will review it and then arrange an initial meeting with your to discuss how you will break this down into objectives. You will then be able to draw up an action plan before moving to stage 2: research. Previous Examples of Titles How has English affected the German language? Concrete or asphalt for motorway surfaces? A drama based study of the illness, schizophrenia Is the banning of plastic bags in Lyme Regis making Lyme Bay a greener place? What implications does the Eurozone crisis have for the UK’s economic growth? Does the media have a greater impact on the body image of girls than of boys of the same age? The reasoning behind and construction of a bass guitar