1. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Stand out in the crowd with the AQA Bacc

2. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. What is the AQA Bacc? A qualification that helps you stand out from the crowd, and gives you the recognition you deserve for your extra-curricular activities.

3. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. What is the AQA Bacc? Building on your A-levels AQA Bacc Broader Study One AS-level from a choice of subjects*, to develop analytical thinking and learning skills Recognised, academic study in-depth 3 A-level subjects of your choice Enrichment Activities Community participation, work-related learning and personal development Extended Project Independent learning via a self-managed project Completing the extended project Recording your enrichment activities * From 2011, you can take Citizenship, General Studies, Critical Thinking, Science in Society (AQA) or World Development (WJEC). Broadening your study From 2014, you can take Citizenship, General Studies, Critical Thinking, Science in Society (AQA) or World Development (WJEC).

4. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. What do you gain? Qualifications and skills valued by universities and employers Academic knowledge Recognition for the activities you enjoy Proof you are resourceful and independent

5. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Why is this important? ‘We believe that it can be the ‘extras’ that a student brings to the University, over and above the A-level results that secure them a place.’ University of Birmingham ‘They [the university] seemed interested and when I applied I got a letter asking for more info about AQA Bacc and the Extended Project. It gave me an extra edge, something else under your belt.’ Peter, Student, Leeds University

6. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. What is depth of study? The 3 A-level subjects of your choice that: Suit your interests Allow you to gain more in-depth knowledge in the subjects you’ve chosen Help you progress to work or University AQA Bacc Recognised, academic study in-depth 3 A-level subjects of your choice Broader Study One AS-level from a choice of subjects, to develop analytical thinking and learning skills Enrichment Activities Community participation, work-related learning and personal development Extended Project Independent learning via a self-managed project

7. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. What is broader study? General Studies, Critical Thinking or Citizenship at AS-level Development of your analytical thinking skills across a range of disciplines *From 2011, students can take Science in Society (AQA) or World Development (WJEC). AQA Bacc Recognised, academic study in-depth 3 A-level subjects of your choice Enrichment Activities Community participation, work-related learning and personal development Extended Project Independent learning via a self-managed project Broader Study One AS-level from a choice of subjects*, to develop analytical thinking and learning skills

8. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Why is this important? ‘We feel that the AS-levels in Critical Thinking, Citizenship and General Studies provide the opportunity for students to evidence generic skills and knowledge which can be transferred to higher education study.’ University of Sheffield

9. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. What is the extended project? The EPQ is an opportunity for you to complete a project on a topic of your choice Develop your independent planning, research, evaluation and presentation skills AQA Bacc Recognised, academic study in-depth 3 A-level subjects of your choice Broader Study One AS-level from a choice of subjects, to develop analytical thinking and learning skills Enrichment Activities Community participation, work-related learning and personal development Extended Project Research and write to your own schedule on a topic of your choice

10. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. What does the extended project involve? Choosing your own topic Planning, researching and carrying out a project* Recording your activities Preparing and delivering a presentation Reviewing and evaluating your outcome eg Winter Ted – an animation about a teddy bear in winter trying to get a scarf * Your finished project can be an academic essay, a production or an artefact (such as a piece of art)

11. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. What does the extended project involve? ‘My extended project was on space travel because I want to be astronaut… this was brilliant because I can’t study this in college, it’s what I want to do and it was fun researching what I love.’ Rachael Harrison, Student The Extended Project ‘was a really good experience and a huge challenge...at school you know a few facts about lots of different subjects, but to really learn about something – you feel almost like an expert in it.’ Ali Stone, Student, Aylesbury High

12. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Why is this important? ‘We welcome the introduction of the extended project and would encourage you to undertake one as it will help you develop independent study and research skills and ease the transition from school/college to higher education.’ University of Cambridge “Qualifications taken in addition to your main exams, such as the Extended Project, will improve your application by enabling you to develop skills that will be useful in higher education study…we encourage applicants to take them and to note them on their application forms”. University of Birmingham

13. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. What is enrichment? Everything you do outside your academic studies…all the extra- curricular activities like sport and volunteering! AQA Bacc Broader Study One AS-level from a choice of subjects, to develop analytical thinking and learning skills Recognised, academic study in-depth 3 A-level subjects of your choice Extended Project Independent learning via a self-managed project Enrichment Activities Community participation, work-related learning and personal development

14. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. What does enrichment involve? Activities you enjoy: Are you planning on doing any work experience? Do you participate in community activities or volunteer? Do you play a sport, an instrument or are you involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award? Core areas of enrichment: Work-related learning Community participation Personal development

15. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Why is this important? ‘The enrichment element of the AQA Bacc enables students to demonstrate experience and skills which they have developed through involvement in activities outside of their academic study.’ University of Sheffield ‘I did some work… in a primary school. I took small groups of six children – aged 10 and 11 – and [taught them]…15 minutes of French; I was teaching them words for colours, animals, things like that, which I found really fun because obviously I’m doing languages at University. Ali Stone, student, reflecting on her enrichment activities

16. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. How do you show your enrichment activities? The Enrichment Diary: An online tool that enables you to record your enrichment activities – anytime and anywhere! Send SMS, sound bite, video or photo entries Get online guidance from teachers Record your achievements I’d describe is as being similar to a social networking site, like Facebook, but school orientated… it allows you to monitor your own progress in the activities you do. Matthew, year 12

17. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. The Enrichment Diary

18. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Lets recap… The AQA Bacc: Builds on your A-levels and broadens your study Includes the extended project and enrichment activities Provides you with the skills and qualifications that universities and employers want Has been enjoyed by the students who’ve already achieved the AQA Bacc.

19. Version 1.2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Ask your teachers today about doing the AQA Bacc! Copyright 2010 AQA and its licensors. The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) Registered in England and Wales (company number 3644723) Registered charity (registered charity number 1073334) Registered address: AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX