Study Skills

Assessment

The Extended Project is graded A* to E and requires 120 guided learning hours. In terms of UCAS points status, Level 3 Project qualifications are worth half an A level. Throughout their in-depth study, learners will develop and apply skills creatively, resulting in one of four project outcomes: a dissertation, a performance, an artefact or an investigation. ● Dissertation: This type of project is a university-style dissertation on any topic which can be researched and argued about - for example, a controversial biological, historical, ethical, philosophical, psychological, economic or environmental issue. The dissertation uses secondary research sources to provide a reasoned defence of a point of view, with consideration of counter-arguments. ● Performance: This type of project involves the development of performance skills and techniques in a creative process leading up to a performance before a designated audience - for example, a performance of music, drama or sport. It can take the form of a response to a brief or performance commission. ● Artefact: This type of project involves a process of research, design and the application of creative skills in developing and realising a piece of work in response to a client brief. Types of artefact projects include creating a painting or sculpture, designing a piece of furniture or a garment, creating a website, solving an engineering or construction problem or producing a piece of graphic design. ● Investigation: This type of project is a scientific investigative project involving the collection of data from primary research, which may happen within the context of a geographical or biological field study - for example, a study of erosion, a study of pollution or a statistical survey of attitudes concerning a social issue. The Investigation/ Field Study uses primary sources of data, such as questionnaires, observation or scientific experimentation, with a process of hypothesis creation and testing.