EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (LEVEL 3)

What is it? An extended project. Independent learning. Research, referencing, time management 5,000 word written report. Artefact and 1,000 word (minimum) report. Group report. Log book. Presentation.

Why do it? Mature into critical, reflective and independent learners. Develop and apply decision-making and problem-solving skills. Demonstrate creativity, initiative and enterprise. Universities reduce entry requirements based upon a successful result Preparation for university assignments.

The process Find a supervisor and discuss the proposed topic of study. Decide on a working title and produce evidence of research. After meeting with your supervisor complete the first parts of your log book. Submit your title to one of the following Mr McAlea or Mr Leeder Mr Brady for approval. Meet with your supervisor with all of your research and update your log book. Write your report or create your artefact and submit to your supervisor. Update your log book and prepare your presentation after meeting with your supervisor. Presentation Evening. Complete your log book (July 2019).

Selecting a topic Select something that you are interested in. It does not have to be a subject you study in school. You may wish to investigate something relating to possible university studies. It should be a question and you must be able to research it. The selected topic must not relate to any area of your AS or A2 study. You must be able to analyse it and reach some form of conclusion.

Examples Did the title of ‘European Capital of Culture’ have a lasting impact upon Liverpool? Are Premier League football clubs motivated by money or success on the field? Should Britain remain in the EU? To what extent does lighting impact upon the quality of photography? (Artefact) Is the prohibition of alcohol to blame for the rise of organised crime in 1920s America? In the short term, how far have the government succeeded in creating a lasting legacy of the 2012 Olympics?

Supervisor By Wednesday 9th January you must have a supervisor for your project. It is up to you to approach a member of staff and ask them to supervise you. You should have a topic in mind. Think carefully about who you would like to supervise you. Select someone who you think will be able to help you. You will have to meet regularly with your supervisor. They will have to complete certain sections of your log book and will be responsible for marking your project. Your supervisor does not have to be an expert in the topic you have selected. Listen to your supervisor. They will not do your project for you! Staff have been told to limit the number of projects they supervise to 5. Complete the ‘EPQ Proposal’ document that has been emailed to you. It must be signed by you and your Supervisor. ALL FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO MR McAlea BEFORE THE END OF LUNCH ON WEDNESDAY 9th January.

Title and research Within the first two weeks in January you must meet with your supervisor to decide on a topic/title. You will also be required to produce some ideas of what you will research. Record of Initial Planning and Project Proposal Part ‘A’ in your log book must be completed when you return to school after half term. Pass your log book on to your Supervisor to complete Project Proposal Part ‘B.’ I will then decide if your project title should be approved. If it is not then you will be required to adapt it.

The next few weeks Check your email and save log book and ‘proposal document’. Think of a topic of interest. Approach the member of staff you would like to be your supervisor. Arrange to meet with your supervisor and get them to sign your ‘proposal document’. Return the document to me. Research your selected topic before your next meeting. At the second meeting decide on a title. Arrange another meeting for after half term at which you should produce more research and a project plan. Record of Initial Planning and Project Proposal Part ‘A’ should be completed. Pass your log book to your Supervisor who will complete Project Proposal Part ‘B.’