Extended Project
EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) is a Level 3 qualification equivalent to half an A level. Students take an EPQ as an additional element of their study programme and complete it during their Lower 6th year.
The EPQ at Aquinas is an inclusive curriculum, with a highly tailored approach to supervision and support of students, as they produce their project or artefact. We have a low student to supervisor ratio which means that students can develop and realise their knowledge and skills with expert support.
The project consists of a 5000 word report, or the production of an artefact or performance with an accompanying 1000 word report.
Key features of the qualification are:
- Development of independent research, critical thinking, referencing, project management and digital skills
- Academic and creative exploration and development
- Supports student autonomy and allows students to explore a topic of their choice, beyond their college studies which is often linked to next steps
- Development of key oral skills and real world application through final presentation in the format of a professional panel.
The course is highly flexible as the students will be developing a project of their own choice. Throughout the year all students will engage with skills sessions that will help develop their abilities with skill key to the course and beyond such as research, assessing the validity of sources and academic writing.
Each week, students will have 2 sessions of 45 minutes each. One of these sessions is with a small group of students with their project supervisor who provides specific 1:1 support for students on their projects while the other session is a larger group in a semi-independent setting for students to set their own goals based on the feedback of their supervisors.
Students are given clear advice that guides them through every step of the project in order to complete their production log, their project and finish with a presentation. Students use this advice and take ownership of their own project which they have high flexibility over the topic of this project.
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.
Latest From Aquinas
Aquinas College features in national report that showcases outstanding performance in GCSE Maths and English Resits. The report, Making the grade: 10 recommendations to help students make progress in GCSE maths and English resits, is based on the approach taken by 11 sixth form colleges in England where post-16 students perform very strongly in these […]
Just before half term, we hosted a fantastic Sports Careers Event, giving students the opportunity to explore the exciting range of careers available within the sports industry! Through insightful talks and networking opportunities, students heard from professionals working in sport, including former Aquinas teacher and Stockport County coach Dave Conlon. A brilliant opportunity to make […]
Aquinas College came alive with vibrant colours, rhythmic music, and enticing aromas as students and staff gathered around with our Youth SVP to celebrate Culture Day on 20th October. The event served as an opportunity to work for the common good through a fundraiser for our Charity of the Year, MacMillan, and a joyous showcase […]
The Creative Media Practice team at Aquinas College has been recognised at the recent Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA) Awards, receiving nominations in two categories: Innovation & Change and Skills & Employability. The nominations celebrate the team’s innovative approach to teaching and learning, particularly its commitment to developing meaningful partnerships with external organisations and providing […]
