The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a Level 3- Advanced qualification which you can study in addition to your other A-levels. It provides you with an opportunity to extend your syllabus, stand out and prepare for your university or your future career. It can also be used to earn extra UCAS points.
EPQ is an independent research projected completed during Y12. The choice of topic is entirely up to you: it can be an extension of your A-level studies or an area of personal interest outside your studies.
If you would like to do the EPQ, you must select this option on our Co-curricular offer. You will have fortnightly timetabled lessons to guide you through the process. However, it is important to be aware that the bulk of the work for EPQ will be completed independently.
Before September, please complete the following tasks:
1. Read the EPQ Webpage and the EPQ AQA Specification
2. Work through the EPQ Initial Ideas and Planning Form.
3. Complete the research tasks, identified in your EPQ Initial Ideas and Planning Form
IMPORTANT – Please keep all your EPQ planning work and research as this will help when you start the course in September.
Completing EPQ can be a very rewarding process which will help you develop a range of skills, including decision making, problem solving and time management. The skills you develop will not only help improve your A Level performance but increase your confidence in terms of future study and career development.
If you have any queries please email a.freer@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk
EPQ FROM CURRENT BVGS STUDENTS
“While EPQ was more work than I initially expected, it was definitely worthwhile because it has really helped me develop research and writing skills which will be valuable to my A-level studies in Y13 as well as at university.”
“The thing I loved about EPQ was being able to expand my knowledge in an area of history not covered in GCSE or A Level. Getting recognised and credited for doing it is a bonus.”
“My passion is sport so I’m glad my EPQ was in that area – I think it would get very boring and you’d find yourself struggling to be motivated if you don’t choose something you’re passionate about.”
“I didn’t expect it to, but EPQ improved my self-confidence. Knowing that I’ve completed the project by myself made me realise that I’ll be able to succeed in my other A Levels and beyond.”
“The process of completing my EPQ wasn’t easy, but I really enjoyed it because it was a subject I chose and really enjoyed researching.”
“The knowledge I’ve gained from taking EPQ is unquestionable: I feel confident that I could research and write about any topic now, and not be worried about how to go about it.”
“I was worried about being able to write 5000 about my topic, but when it came to it could have written way more!”
“I’m so glad I chose to base my EPQ on an area of football – it must be really difficult to motivate yourself if you choose something you’re not genuinely interested in.”
“Choosing to go down the artefact route rather than write a 5000 report was perfect for me – I’m quite a creative person so being able to make something suited me much more than just writing about it.”
“Doing EPQ has made me much more organised – you can’t leave it until the night before the deadline to write 5000 words. You need to plan and prioritise carefully.”
“I loved the challenge of doing EPQ and am glad I’ve got a good knowledge base for an academic discussion when I start applying to universities in Y13.”