Welcome to EPQ

The EPQ is a KS5 qualification available to all Sixth Form learners as part of our KS5 offer. It is a project, non-examined qualification which allows learners to research a topic of their own choice and produce either a 5000-word essay or an artefact, such as a film, novel or art-work and a shorter written report, approximately 1000-words. All learners must also complete a Production Log in which they reflect on their research and project-management decisions and give a presentation at the end of the process.

We offer this qualification to everyone in the L6 and U6 but there are a variety of routes:

• Taking the qualification via a taught programme during the L6 (four lessons per fortnight).
• Some learners take the qualification during the U6 if they have dropped another subject.
• A small number of learners who are taking four A-Levels complete the qualification after school as a fast-track, extra-curricular option in the L6.

Department Email

mccarthyh@uptonhigh.co.uk

Curriculum

Intent

We are proud to offer an inclusive, personalised and creative opportunity to all our learners. We do this by:

• Encouraging learners to choose topics which reflect their interests- some choose to develop an aspect of current study, some take a creative route and others pursue research linked to their personal interests or cultural heritage.
• Developing strong literacy skills, particularly connected to academic writing and the reading of a wide range of sources, including academic books and journals.
• Supporting learners in developing their speaking and listening skills when preparing for their presentations, meetings, interviews and discussions.
• Teaching learners a variety of skills, including researching and evaluating sources, managing a large-scale project, time-management, evaluating their own work, academic-referencing and evaluating a final product.
• Learning about software and practices associated with the working-environment, such as project-management software, arranging meetings, conducting interviews, emailing and speaking to professionals.
• Developing personal qualities: enquiry, resilience, the ability to reflect and respond to feedback and how to deal with the ‘bumps in the road’ that will occur during the project.

Key Stage 5

We follow the AQA specification: https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-W-7993-SP-19.PDF

• This results in a qualification that is graded A* - E and counts as half an A-Level.
• The qualification can be used to enter higher education and most UK institutions will reduce a degree-course offer if a candidate is applying with an EPQ final or predicted grade. For example, The University of Leeds reduce their offer for History and Politics from AAB to ABB for applicants with an EPQ at A or A* grades.

Enrichment

Our students have participated in all sorts of activities to complete their projects. Examples include:

• Trips to universities
• The opportunity to visit the libraries at Chester University and The University of Liverpool and have ‘visitor membership’ so that books and printed sources can be consulted.
• Visits to art galleries and museums.
• Many learners link their L6 Work experience to their projects and take the opportunity to consult leading professionals in the field.
• Some learners have had the opportunity to interview academics, CEOs and other professionals.

Department Staff & Responsibilities

Ms H. McCarthy (EPQ Lead, Centre Co-ordinator for AQA and EPQ Supervisor)

Mr D. Ryan (Learning Hub Manager and EPQ Supervisor)

Homework

Regular homework and deadlines linked to the compulsory elements of the project (research, project planning, the Production Log, the artefact, if applicable), the essay/shorter written report (artefact projects) and presentation are set regularly on Satchel One. Learners are expected to take responsibility for managing and developing their projects, as they receive marks for these aspects.

Feedback

Learners are given very regular feedback as part of the EPQ-process. The Production Log has feedback opportunities embedded as part of the assessment. Learners complete a section of the project, have a meeting where their supervisor feeds back to them and they then record this in their log. They then record the modifications made before moving to the next stage. Learners are also able to complete a draft of their essay and receive written feedback from a member of staff. Presentations are rehearsed with the supervisor, feedback is given and then the final, assessed presentation with an audience takes place.

Assessment

Learners are given very regular feedback as part of the EPQ-process. The Production Log has feedback opportunities embedded as part of the assessment. Learners complete a section of the project, have a meeting where their supervisor feeds back to them and they then record this in their log. They then record the modifications made before moving to the next stage. Learners are also able to complete a draft of their essay and receive written feedback from a member of staff. Presentations are rehearsed with the supervisor, feedback is given and then the final, assessed presentation with an audience takes place.