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WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is designed to help students to develop independent study skills such as time management, research and planning.

One of the key things that the EPQ offers you is freedom of choice. You can choose a project in line with your interests or passions. Many students who have recently finished their A levels at Little Heath School would identify the EPQ as the favourite part of their studies! 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You will need to present a viable proposal for your project along with a plan for your research, which needs to be extensive. 

Applications should be submitted in the April of Year 12 and the course starts in June, for completion in March of Year 13. 

SYLLABUS

You choose what you want to do. There is a one-hour taught element each week with your EPQ supervisor, and you are expected to do a minimum of ninety hours of independent work outside the supervised periods. 

In the past few years, alongside more traditional essay submissions on philosophy, politics and religion, students have completed projects as diverse as building a Fender guitar, making a documentary, producing a series of lessons for a primary school project, designing dresses, sculpting, writing short stories and scripts. 

Topics have included:
“Why England will never win the World Cup?", the negative effects of Facebook, and Brazilian culture. 

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED AND EXAMINED?

Your ‘product’ will be in one of the following forms: 

  • 'Traditional' 5000 word essay (long written report)
  • Multi-media presentation (electronic format)
  • A model (artefact)
  • A performance (live performance)

You will also need to submit a production log/diary of the process, a written report (of about 1000 words) and an end of project presentation of between ten and fifteen minutes for a non-specialist audience. 

FUTURE COURSES AND POSSIBLE CAREERS

Universities (particularly Russell Group) and employers are increasingly valuing the EPQ. It has been a more regular part of interview programmes in recent years, with some students reporting that tutors discussed the EPQ for longer in the interview than other A level subject knowledge. 

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