EPQ

Bespoke Independent Studies

One of the aims of the 2006/7 review of 14-19 education was to try to produce a post-16 award that would enable pupils to pursue virtually any interest or skill and gain AS level credit for their efforts. The end result of this aspiration is the Extended Project Qualification or ‘EPQ’.

The EPQ is not a course of study – there are no timetabled lessons and no fixed curriculum. The EPQ requires pupils to carry out research and development over an extended period – at least one year – and then to produce some kind of end product that can be assessed. The EPQ could be anything of interest to the individual student and is designed to encourage pupils to pursue interests and to make the most of whatever skills they may have.

The EPQ could be a band of musicians who develop an image, write music and lyrics, market themselves and promote a concert. The concert itself would be the end product of the EPQ. The EPQ might be an art student who investigates and researches a particular style, works on sculptures, paintings or prints and has an exhibition as the end product. Success criteria to be met are:

• An element of research and development.
• A portfolio or collection of evidence – detailing the research and development.
• An end product – a piece of music, a concert, an essay, a lecture, a work of art, a play, a film – that can be assessed.

Excellent mentoring from our staff involves approving the initial EPQ plan, advising pupils on how to proceed, giving assistance in collecting and recording evidence, facilitating resources and assessment of the final product (although this will also be externally assessed).

The EPQ is an excellent way of enhancing UCAS applications, personal statements and cover letters for life beyond Finborough School.