Extended Project Qualification
Encyclopedia
An Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a qualification taken in the United Kingdom
, where it is equivalent to an AS level
– half an A level. They are part of level three of the National Qualifications Framework
. It is currently graded A* to E.
The extended project was devised by Sir Mike Tomlinson in 2006, during his review of 16 to 19-year-olds' education. It is a compulsory part of the 14–19 Diploma
taken by students in England and Wales
. However, all students may take an extended project as a free-standing qualification, the EPQ, following a recommendation by four examination board
s of England and Wales (Edexcel
, OCR
, AQA
and CIE
) and England's qualifications authority, the QCA
.
The students' choice of topic is free, although they must show that it is academically useful, either related to their current course of study, or their future career. It takes the form of either a dissertation (5,000 words being a common guideline) or a number of other forms: a musical or dramatical composition, report or artefact, backed up with paperwork. David MacKay, head of the 14-19 curriculum at the QCA, is in favour of EPQs, saying: "Extended projects can help students to develop and demonstrate a range of valuable skills through pursuing their interests and investigating topics in more depth." It has also been praised by universities for guiding students into higher education
(typically universities). According to the QCA, an extended project is "a single piece of work requiring a high degree of planning, preparation, research and autonomous working."
The Extended Project Qualification is also part of the AQA Baccalaureate.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, where it is equivalent to an AS level
GCE Advanced Level
The Advanced Level General Certificate of Education, commonly referred to as an A-level, is a qualification offered by education institutions in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Cameroon, and the Cayman Islands...
– half an A level. They are part of level three of the National Qualifications Framework
National Qualifications Framework
The National Qualifications Framework is a credit transfer system developed for qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland....
. It is currently graded A* to E.
The extended project was devised by Sir Mike Tomlinson in 2006, during his review of 16 to 19-year-olds' education. It is a compulsory part of the 14–19 Diploma
14–19 Diploma
The Diploma is a composite qualification in England launched in September 2008. Its development was announced in the 14–19 Education and Skills White Paper of March 2005...
taken by students in England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales is a jurisdiction within the United Kingdom. It consists of England and Wales, two of the four countries of the United Kingdom...
. However, all students may take an extended project as a free-standing qualification, the EPQ, following a recommendation by four examination board
Examination board
An examination board is an organisation that sets examinations and is responsible for marking them and distributing results. Examination boards have the power to award qualifications, such as SAT scores, to students...
s of England and Wales (Edexcel
Edexcel
Edexcel, a UK company, is one of England, Wales and Northern Ireland's five main examination boards, and is wholly owned by the private-sector Pearson PLC, a UK-based media and publishing conglomerate. Its name is a portmanteau word derived from the words "educational" and "excellence"...
, OCR
OCR (examination board)
OCR is an examination board that sets examinations and awards qualifications . It is one of England, Wales and Northern Ireland's five main examination boards....
, AQA
Assessment and Qualifications Alliance
AQA is an Awarding Body in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It compiles specifications and holds examinations in various subjects at GCSE, AS and A Level and offers vocational qualifications. AQA is a registered charity and independent of the Government...
and CIE
Cambridge International Examinations
University of Cambridge International Examinations is a provider of international qualifications for students between the ages of 14 and 19, offering examinations and qualifications in more than 150 countries. It is an Examination Board under Cambridge Assessment, founded in 1858 as a department...
) and England's qualifications authority, the QCA
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
The Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency is an exempt charity, and an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Children, Schools and Families...
.
The students' choice of topic is free, although they must show that it is academically useful, either related to their current course of study, or their future career. It takes the form of either a dissertation (5,000 words being a common guideline) or a number of other forms: a musical or dramatical composition, report or artefact, backed up with paperwork. David MacKay, head of the 14-19 curriculum at the QCA, is in favour of EPQs, saying: "Extended projects can help students to develop and demonstrate a range of valuable skills through pursuing their interests and investigating topics in more depth." It has also been praised by universities for guiding students into higher education
Higher education
Higher, post-secondary, tertiary, or third level education refers to the stage of learning that occurs at universities, academies, colleges, seminaries, and institutes of technology...
(typically universities). According to the QCA, an extended project is "a single piece of work requiring a high degree of planning, preparation, research and autonomous working."
The Extended Project Qualification is also part of the AQA Baccalaureate.