1. Extended Project Qualification
Level 3
Extended Project Qualification
WJEC Entry Code:
Teaching from 2015
INTRODUCTION

2. Summary of course Six taught lessons with homework:
Introduction to the EPQ
Decision making: decide format and initial topic
Research: structure of EPQ; how to research effectively (literature review and referencing)
Effective planning and organisation; problem solving
Critical source handling and evaluation; data analysis, selection and synthesis
Presentation and reflection skills

3. Objectives for lesson 1 Students should be able to:
Work together as an effective group
Realise the commitment required
Participate in a new approach to learning (independent)
Consider personal strengths and weaknesses
Define initial goals

4. Plenary: Murder mystery reflection
Complete the self reflection sheet:
Then answer the following:
How did you do this lesson?
Assess your contribution honestly. What areas do you need to improve?
Set yourself a target for the future linked to group work

5. Why should you complete an EPQ?

6. What do you have to do?
Decide on a topic and produce a proposal and title
Make an action plan, with milestones, deadlines and details of what you are going to do, why, how and when
Keep a log: record your progress demonstrating what was learnt from the lessons, how research has been conducted, decisions made and problems solved.
Produce a project outcome: a dissertation or investigation or an artefact
Present your project and review the process

7. What will you learn? How to research effectively
Effective planning and organisation
Problem solving and decision making
Critical source handling and evaluation
Data analysis, selection and synthesis
Presentation and reflection skills

8. Dissertation or artefact?
A dissertation is a written piece of work (maximum 5,000 words) which answers a question. An artefact is a non-written project which aims to answer a question in a creative manner. Note that an artefact still requires a minimum of 1,500 words!
Both a dissertation (written project outcome) and an artefact (non-written project) are equally valid
The best artefacts have clear aims and objectives and are rooted explicitly in research

9. Examples of good artefacts:
‘To produce a scale model of a trebuchet for under £100 that is capable of throwing a tennis ball over ten metres.’
‘To manufacture a leather bomber jacket for under £100 using the school laser cutter.’
‘To write and produce a short film on the Syrian refugee crisis aimed at learners of sixth form age.’

10. Deadlines:
You need to have agreed your project proposal with your supervisor and submitted it your EPQ teacher by the end of your EPQ lesson on Monday 30th/Tuesday 31st October
These will then be sent off to WJEC who will approve them

11. What I learned from the lesson
Review of the lesson
Write the date on your notes and then complete the form:
What I learned from the lesson
Review and reflection

12. Self study/homework:
Complete the ‘Getting an idea’ sheet and bring to your next EPQ lesson. This is on the school website under Sixth Form/EPQ/Student resources (blue button)
Log on to
Select “Study skills” and then scroll down to the University of Southampton course “developing your research project”. You should aim to complete this over the next six weeks.
3. Read the WJEC Student EPQ guide and print out the form EPF1
4. Print out the slides for lesson 2