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Course Content
Year 12 Content
In Year 12, sites running the Extended Project will introduce students to the course and encourage students to begin researching and preparing a project proposal, which will form the foundation of their project in Year 13.
Note: Some sites may choose to begin to formal teaching of the EPQ in Year 12, and may intend to submit in January of their Year 13 so as to avoid clashes between the EPQ and their other exams. Please consult the Head of Sixth Form at the relevant base site for more details.
Year 13 Content
In Year 13, students will be assigned to an Extended Project group lead by a teacher based on their choice of topic. Students will receive weekly guidance in research, essay-writing and time-management skills, while conducting the majority of their work independently.
Students may choose between four types of project:
- A dissertation – a University style dissertation (5000+ words) in which a student will use secondary research to tackle a topic which can be argued about (e.g. a controversial ethical, philosophical, historical, biological or economic issue). The majority of students will choose this route.
- An investigation – a scientific investigative project using primary data (e.g. from a biological or geographical field study) to write up a research report.
- A performance – a project involving the creative development of artistic, dramatic or sporting skills leading up to a performance. This can take the form of a response to a commission or project brief.
- An artefact – a project involving the research, design and development of skills to create a piece of work in relation to a client brief. This could be a piece of art, a film or a piece of technology or furniture.
Students will complete their project over the course of the year and benefit from regular guidance from their extended project teachers. After the project is complete, students will deliver a presentation in which they evaluate their project and process, and discuss areas for future improvement.
More information of the Extended Project and examples of past projects can be found on the Edexcel website.
Assessment
The project is assessed via submittal of the completed project in the summer term and an assessed presentation, given at the end of the process, in which students will evaluate their project outcomes.
Entry Requirements
Students require grade 5 or above in English Language at GCSE.
Career Progression
The Extended Project supports students in the transition to Higher Education or the world of work by encouraging the development of critical thinking, problem solving and independent learning skills.
Throughout the project students will develop and apply a range of skills creatively and independently, while developing self-reliance and the ability to manage their time individually. All of this will result in a dissertation, investigation, performance or artefact which provides fantastic evidence of these skills for future education institutions or employers.
