Page 29 - Seaford Sixth Form OPTIONS 2019

Extended Project Qualification EPQ (OCR)
This is an extra option offered over a twelve month period in the Sixth Form – equivalent to half an A Level
EPQ Coordinator:
Ms E Le Barth
EPQ Supervisors:
Varies according to student specialism
Course Content
EPQ is introduced during the Spring term of Year 12 with the course commencing after Easter. This allows the students to find their feet with their other A Levels before embarking on their EPQ. The course runs until March of the following year when they hand in their completed projects.
A project topic may be directly related to a student's main study programme, but should look beyond the specification. A finished product may take the form of a:
research based written report
production* (e.g. charity event, fashion show or sports event etc.)
an artefact* (e.g. piece of art, a computer game or realised design)
*A written report must accompany these options.
Overview
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) allows students to extend their abilities beyond the A Level syllabus and prepare for university or their future career. It is equivalent to half an A Level (28 points) so can be used to earn extra UCAS points.
EPQ is an excellent enrichment qualification which allows each student to embark on a largely self-directed and self-motivated project. Students can choose any topic to plan, research and develop. The main aim of this subject is to encourage creativity and curiosity and to stand out from the crowd.
Assessment
During the EPQ process, students will be assessed on:
Manage – identify, design, plan, and complete a project (or task within a group project), applying organisational skills and strategies to meet their stated objectives
Use resources/research – obtain and select information from a range of sources, analyse data, apply it relevantly, and demonstrate understanding of any appropriate connections and complexities of their topic
Develop and realise – use a range of skills, including using new technologies, to solve problems, to take decisions critically, creatively and flexibly, and to achieve their aims
Review – evaluate the outcome, including their learning and performance.
This is 100% coursework and the equivalent to half an A Level in terms of UCAS points.
Expectations
EPQ is an opportunity for students to demonstrate independence and individuality. There are three timetabled sessions over a fortnight which are compulsory and the students are assigned a supervisor who will be assessing them and marking their project.
Future Pathway
EPQ is a highly regarded qualification which gives the students an advantage when applying to university. It also equips them with many academic and social skills for university and in wider working life.
Key Skills
Students develop a wide range of academic skills in preparation for university, for example academic research, dissertation writing and also planning and presenting their findings.
They also gain many social skills in terms of organisation, time keeping and planning.
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