The Extended Project Qualification OCR Level 3 Extended Project H856 The Extended Project Qualification Starting Out with the EPQ

Quick Recap on the EPQ What can you tell me about the EPQ so far?

Key EPQ Messages Equivalent to an AS Level Completed in a year Has up to 70 UCAS points attached to it Universities and Employers love the EPQ It can lead to a reduced university grades offer Excellent for developing your skills Not just about the final project, but the process to get there You also have to make a presentation at the end Independent learning – your supervisor will not do it for you! Chance to do it on almost anything you want You can do the EPQ in all different ways Students often say it was the best thing they did in the Sixth Form as they were able to pursue a real interest

What can you do for the EPQ? You must: Either create an artefact, performance, design e.g. a book, object, computer programme, play production etc which must be accompanied by a written report of 1,500 – 2,500 words in which you explain the planning, decision-making process and development of your plan to the creation of the artefact Or write a 5,000 word dissertation/investigation analysing a topic of your choice

How is it assessed? Your supervisor will award you with marks at the end of the EPQ based on your abilities to: Manage (AO1) 12 marks 20% Use resources (AO 2) 12 marks 20% Develop and realise (AO3) 24 marks 40% Review (AO4) 12 marks 20% Total 60 marks 100% There is a key point to grasp here: it is more about the ongoing process than the final outcome (60:40), BUT the actual project is still vital!

The Taught Element of the EPQ EPQ requires: your project (c. 70%) a taught element (c. 30%) The Taught Element: staff sessions student online learning Staff sessions will cover areas such as: reading and note-taking using visual material referencing and avoiding plagiarism report writing presentation skills

Student Online Learning Future Learn – online platform for British universities run by the Open University MOOCs – Massive Open Online Courses Free and open to all I would recommend you look at the Future Learn site for all sorts of opportunities to extend yourself with your A Level subjects, possible degree areas and career choices Developing Your Research Project – University of Southampton 8 week course approximately 1 hour per week starts Monday 12 September (next Monday!) ends Saturday 05 November (so includes the 2 half term weeks) Requirement at RHS for completion of your EPQ

Student Online Learning Now we are going to get all of you to sign up to do the Future Learn course: Developing Your Research Project – University of Southampton iPads now needed (or if no iPad, take notes on what to do and ensure it is all done before Monday)

Student Online Learning https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/research-project

Next session Monday 12th September (Week 2B) Period 1 All come to the Burns Recital Hall