Page 17 - Guide to courses booklet 2021-2023

HIGHER PROJECT QUALIFICATION

Examination Board: AQA, Specification Code 7992
Available in L5 only
What is the HPQ?
Our Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) allows students to discover the joys of independent learning,
take responsibility for their own research, and develop new life and study skills.
The Higher Project extends and develops students in the Middle School and is excellent preparation for
the EPQ (the equivalent to half an A Level) as part of their Sixth Form course of study, something which
makes them exceptionally attractive to universities.
What will I study?
The Project will develop either from a pupil’s existing areas of study or from personal interests. The title
is chosen by pupils and approved by School. Students choosing the HPQ will all receive mentor support
and guided skills development but the bulk of the work will be independent.
How will I learn?
The joy of the HPQ lies in its flexibility and openness. Projects could include scientific investigations,
explorations of a hypothesis, extended essays or academic reports of approximately 2,000 words.
Alternatively, students may wish to submit an artefact accompanied by a written report of 500 words.
The HPQ also offers the unique opportunity for students to collaborate meaningfully with each other
on a project. Students who take this option are able to form a group (of a maximum of four students)
and work on anything from a research project to a design or a construction, from planning an event to
composing a piece of music or launching a business initiative. While the end product will be identical,
each member of the team will have a clearly defined role in its development and will be judged on their
individual contribution to a successful outcome.
Assessment
All students are required to present their projects to a non-specialist audience as part of the process.
Each student, irrespective of whether they choose to submit a research paper or an artefact, work
individually or as part of a group project, must submit a logbook reflecting the development and
management of their project.
The HPQ is graded A*-C, and will be completed in the L5.
Introduction to the Higher Project Qualification

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