Page 55 - Sixth Form Courses 2026-2028

EXTENDED PROJECT

QUALIFICATION (EPQ)

OVERVIEW The EPQ is a standalone qualification designed to extend and develop students’
abilities beyond the A level syllabus and prepare for university or their future
career. It is equivalent to half an A level and is completed in Lower Sixth at
Millfield. Students select a topic of their choice that is not covered in their other
qualifications. They can take inspiration from something touched on in class , a
personal interest or a completely new topic. Students learn to manage and carry
out a high-level research project under teacher supervision. They can produce a
5000-word dissertation, an artefact or a performance. Alongside the latter two
creative projects, they must also write an accompanying document of at least
1000 words. The course is as much about the process as the final outcome and
students keep a reflective log throughout their projects.

APPROACH The EPQ course at Millfield consists of 3 timetabled lessons per fortnight
comprising of a mixture of formal instruction, class discussion and individual
support. In lessons, students learn and develop Taught Skills (30 hours). These
skills range from how to form a research question, how to conduct primary and
secondary research, how to reference and how to create a bibliography. In lessons,
students are also given one-to-one guidance on the progress of their projects.
Students log their progress using the Project Q online platform.

COURSE OUTLINE The EPQ can be combined with most Sixth Form pathways at Millfield. There is
also the option, for heavily committed students, such as those taking Further
Maths or an A level alongside BTEC, to complete the EPQ during MAP (Millfield
Activities Programme) time on a Friday afternoon. Students also have the option
of early entry (deadline end of Spring term) or standard entry (deadline end of
Summer term). This will allow students to have either a final grade or a predicted
grade on their UCAS form.
Towards the end of the course, students present their work during the EPQ
Presentation Days at the end of Spring and Summer terms. It is the expectation
that students should use their free periods, weekends and holidays to complete a
good deal of uninterrupted work on their projects.

FURTHER INFORMATION Highly regarded by universities, the EPQ allows students to take responsibility for
the choice, design and decision making of a project. In doing so, students:
• become more critical, reflective and independent learners;
• develop and apply decision-making and problem-solving skills;
• increase their planning, research, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation
skills;
• learn to apply technologies confidently;
• demonstrate creativity, initiative and enterprise.
The benefits of the EPQ are recognised by many universities, with some making
alternative or more favourable entry offers to students who complete an EPQ.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS There are no entry requirements for EPQ. However, it should be noted that the
course requires commitment and significant independent study.

EXAM BOARD AND Millfield follows the AQA Level 3 Extended Project Qualification
SPECIFICATION (specification 7993).
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/projects/level-three/projects-7993/specification
CONTACT Head of Student Academic Culture
Dr B Priest
priest.b@millfieldschool.com

53 MILLFIELD SIXTH FORM 2026-2028