Study Skills
Poynton High School - Cheshire East
01625871811
Yew Tree Lane, Poynton, Stockport, SK12 1PU
Course summary

The Extended Project provides students with the opportunity to explore an area of interest outside the main area of study. Projects may be in the form of a written dissertation, an artifact, or a performance. Students will decide on a topic with the help of a supervisor. Previous topics have been as diverse as examining the benefits of human cloning to composing a song or providing the lighting for a whole school show. The process allows students to develop valuable skills in research, project management, and independent working. As the Extended Project is worth half the points of an A Level, with an A* worth 28 UCAS Points, a good project can have a great influence on your results. We have seen an increase in interest from universities in the Extended Project with some now offering reduced tariff offers to students who are completing a project.

Entry requirements

This course does not form part of a student’s core subject choices but is intended to complement other A Level study

How you'll be assessed

While there are taught sessions, the emphasis is on independent research leading to the end product which will have been decided by the student with guidance from the supervisor. During the course of the EPQ, the student will be required to complete a production log that documents their research and their progress and this accounts for half of the overall marks. Should the student choose to do something practical for their project, then this will be accompanied by a 1000-word essay. Otherwise, the end product will be a 5000-word investigation of the student’s choosing, containing footnotes, bibliography, appendices, and evidence of the final presentation. The student will then present their findings through a public presentation to an audience. In addition to the taught sessions, each student will have a minimum of five one-to-one sessions with their supervisor which they need to document as part of their production log. All taught sessions are run in the style of university seminars and tutorials. The Extended Project is assessed internally with some studies being chosen to be moderated by the examination board.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionNorth West
Local AuthorityCheshire East
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressYew Tree Lane, Poynton, Stockport, SK12 1PU