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Extended Project

The Extended Project is a Level 3 qualification introduced in September 2008. It allows students to expand on a particular area of their study that they find interesting. The project is started in September of Lower Sixth and completed in April of Upper Sixth. Our Triple A students are actively encouraged to take up an EPQ in order to enhance their University applications.

The project usually consists of a 5,000 word report, however, an artefact or performance are alternatives.

Qualifications & Assessments

Exam Board AQA
Level Level 3
Qualification Half an A Level
Assessment Method Internally Assessed Project with External Moderation
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements
Photograph of a student studying

The subject and content of the piece is highly flexible. Students who take this can extend upon a current programme of study, research a hobby, or link it to their chosen university course.

Students will have a weekly timetabled session with their supervisor. This will consist of some teaching of key skills such as referencing, researching and writing an extended report. There will also be time for one to one advice sessions on the student’s own project.

Students who take the Extended Project will sharpen their skills in research, planning, presentation and communication. These skills will better prepare them for the demands of university or employment. Completion of the project will appeal to university admissions tutors, making applications stand out from the crowd.

Grades for Extended Projects are worth UCAS points equalling:

  • A* – 28 Points
  • A – 24 Points
  • B – 20 Points
  • C – 16 Points
  • D – 12 Points
  • E – 8 Points

Many universities take the Extended Project into account when offering places and some will give reduced offers in the other A level grades, alongside an A or B in the Extended Project

The EPQ is particularly useful for those students applying for competitive courses such as Medicine and Law. It allows students to demonstrate independent study skills which are much in demand. Students will also be able to study an area linking to the career area that they wish to follow.

News & Blog

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Our Ex-Principal Ambrose Smith has kindly delivered a lecture about the dangers of climate change to all L6 students through the RE programme. In the spirit of ‘Laudato Si’ and our call to care for our common home, Ambrose reminded students of the scientific facts of climate change, particularly focussing on the absorption of infrared […]

Photograph of Ambrose Smith delivering a talk on climate change

Aquinas College was honoured to welcome Cardinal Giorgio Marengo for a special talk and Q&A session with students from Aquinas and St James. Cardinal Marengo, who serves in Mongolia, shared stories from his ministry and spoke openly about faith, community, and his experiences working in a very different cultural and social context. Students listened attentively […]

Photograph of cardinal Cardinal Giorgio Marengo answering questions from students.

This year our Feast Day celebration was dedicated to working for the common good whilst living life to the full. We marked this celebration as part of a theme week with several special moments including a Feast Day competition with amazing prizes, a sporting event led by our PE department and a bake sale led […]

Photograph of students and staff attending a feast service in the chapel.

Adam Swayne, Deputy Head of School of Keyboard Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music visited college on Thursday 15th January. A group of music students performed and received excellent detailed coaching and guidance on how to improve their performance. This is particularly timely for upper sixth students who will have their A Level […]

Photograph of a student receiving tuition from the Royal Northern College of Music