Ultimate EPQ thread

Finished the actual project last week cracked out 6000 words over 5 days

Can't believe its only like 40% of the total though!! I now have to go back and do the planning / "research" / etc

What do we have to do about the presentation as well?

hey guys i got 4 A's at AS

and the subject i want to drop economics i got the best marks in, but i really dont enjoy it. I want to be a medic in 2010. So do you think its worth me carrying on A2 economics, or just doing the extended project on something medicine based like haematology which i am interested in, how would unis compare the two?

There have been so many questions about the EPQ and its value floating around lately, so it's better to clump them all into one thread. Much of this information is taken from the AQA specification, which is the board my college follows.

AQA Specification: http://store.aqa.org.uk/over/pdf/AQA-EPQ-W-SP-07-08.PDF

Edexcel Specification: http://www.edexcel.com/iwantto/I%20want%20to%20%20Tasks/14%20-%20Level%201%20and%202%20Extended%20Projects.pdf

OCR Specification: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications...ect/index.html

WJEC Specification: http://www.wjec.co.uk/index.php?subject=30&level=162

What is the EPQ?

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is free standing qualification offered by AQA and Edexcel. It involves choosing a topic and carrying out some pretty hardcore research into that particular area, then creating EITHER a 5,000 word report OR a 'product' + a 1,000 word report. After that, you must deliver a small presentation to a group of non-specialists about your topic, lasting from 10 - 15 mins.

Why should I do it?

For your own sake. It allows you to develop your personal interests on a topic you feel genuinely passionate about. Plus, it helps when applying for uni (especially competitive ones, such as Oxbridge), as you are set apart from all the other straight A candidates. It demonstrates your commitment to a subject, and allows you to develop the independent research skills needed for undergraduate study. If you are lucky enough to receive an interview from your desired university, it gives you something to talk about and really get your teeth into so you don't run out of things to say.

Does the topic have to be related to my A-levels?

Nope, not at all. It can be on literally ANYTHING you want, within reason. You cannot do a project on WW2 for example - that's far too broad. You must eventually boil it down to an individual research question. It would be wise to choose your topic based on what you intend on studying after college, not for the hell of it.

Advice on choosing a topic:

- don't duplicate what you've already done at A-level
- choose an aspect of a subject you want to study in more depth
- the topic must be clearly focused
- ideally, you'd want something you could conduct a lot of research into
- ask your subject teachers or TSR for specific subject related ideas

What could my 'product' be?

If you don't fancy writing that beastly report, here's a few ideas for a product:
- a short story or book
- a performance (dance, dramatic..)
- a website or program
- a piece of art
- a musical recording
- a short film or media clip
- a model or something you've made

Some research assistance:
- distinguish between primary and secondary resources
- bare in mind sampling errors, or the validity of the data
- assess the credibility of the data (ie. does the author have anything to gain by misleading us into thinking it is true?) (have a look here: http://www.criticalthinking.org.uk/unit1/fundamentals/criteriaofcredibility/)
- obviously avoid plagiarism
- reference all your findings
- keep a bibliography

Some research methods:
- surveys/polls/questionnaires
- interview experts in your topic
- books and journals
- the internet
- official publications
- newspapers
- reports

How is it graded?

A*-E. Candidate who don't achieve at least an E will be not be awarded with the qualification.

Assessment objective weightings [specification - page 10]:

20% - management: identify, design, plan, and complete the individual project, or task within a group project, applying organisational skills and strategies to meet stated objectives

20% - resources: obtain and select information from a range of sources, analyse data, apply relevantly and demonstrate understanding of any appropriate linkages, connections and complexities of your topic.

40% - 'develop and realise' the project: select and use a range of skills, including new technologies, to solve problems, to take decisions critically, creatively and flexibly, and to achieve planned outcomes

20% - present/review/evaluation: evaluate outcomes including own learning and performance. Select and use a range of communication skills and media to convey and present evidenced outcomes and conclusions

Who can do it?

Your college will tell you if you're able to. Unfortunately, the EPQ isn't available for private entry on AQA or Edexcel. [AQA specification - page 14][Edexcel specification - page 257]

How long will it take to complete? I'm worried it might interfere with my A-levels.

Most students start work over the summer holidays, during the AS-A2 transition, so it doesn't mess up their studies. It is expected you spend around 120 hours in all, some may do it in less, some may take considerably longer - they are only guidelines.






Feel free to ask any questions, I'll try to help as much as possible, if I can't I'm sure someone else can

Hi there,

I am really interested in doing this, but have only just found out about it. Is this something your school's got you into because mine hasn't said anything about it I'm thinking of doing something similar to my english language A2 coursework- basically applying liguistic theories to modern day conversations and social networking sites.

Am I too late in starting?

My work experience has given me sooooo many ideas!

You're school has to register to take part in it. I don't know when the official registration deadlines are, but you should definitely ask your tutor at school to see if you could do it next year.

Am starting this in October. Hooray.

Will that be for 2010?

Umm yeah, probably submit for June.
Was going to start the work in summer, but have decided to do it across the entire academic year.

Care to share?

I worked at a investment management place basically a pension fund. It was very insightful!

Cool cool. Hmm I wonder whether I could link my job in a lab to the EPQ.

I'm pretty sure you can

When you see something first hand, it counts as a different type of source, surely?

Oooh I'm doing an EP, mine is on the development of the clarinet and its repertoire since 1700, focusing on how particular composers wrote for particular clarinettists.

It is very interesting, and I do enjoy it, although getting into it is always hard, but I'm fine once I've got going. On about 3000 words atm but need to have finished by the time I go back to school

Does anyone know whether they are meant to be 5000 or 6000 words btw? As different people keep saying different things?

What exam board is yours?

AQA is around 5,000 and Edexcel is between 5,000 and 6,000