This qualification is designed as a "stretch-and-challenge" opportunity, in addition to the standard three choices of subject, to investigate a topic beyond the normal confines of an A Level qualification. It demonstrates that students have some of the key skills required for university study and provides good evidence to include in a UCAS personal statement. It indicates that students can work independently, research, plan, argue and present. Most applicants claim to have these skills, but an Extended Project shows specific evidence to which students can relate these claims. Submission is early in the summer term of Year 12. It forms a great basis for university and job applications in Year 13.The Extended Project carries UCAS points equivalent to an “unreformed AS Level”. An A* grade can be achieved. In terms of the kind of project that can be undertaken, there has to be a tangible outcome, which could be an extended essay on any topic, with a presentation during which students talk about their project and answer questions from a non-specialist audience. Alternatively, the outcome could be a play, a piece of art, a model or a film, accompanied by the presentation. For example, if the project were to create a work of art, this could be exhibited and the artist could answer questions about the work. Above all, the project should be in an area of personal interest about which students are keen to learn more.