EPQ Introductory sessions Brief facts The Extended Project

EPQ Introductory sessions

Brief facts �The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a level 3 qualification, that is graded in the same way as an A level and is worth slightly more UCAS points than an AS. �You complete it by yourself – it is not a taught qualification. �You can choose to complete it in a number of ways.

Possible ways to complete the EPQ �Dissertation �Investigation �Field Study �Artefact �Performance

�ACTIVITY – the first step is to identify a broad area of interest for you. This might be related to your subject areas, or it might be something that you are hoping to study at university, or something else entirely, perhaps from your extracurricular activities or general interest. �TIP – this must be something that is going to be interesting enough to you that you will be willing to spend your own free time – study periods, weekend, evenings, vacations – over the next few months. Think about choosing something you are really passionate about, rather than something you think you should choose.

Q: What do you notice about the weighting of these objectives? What does this tell you about the way the project is designed and marked? � ACTIVITY – highlight the key words in the following list of AOs (and any that you would like explaining): � AO 1 MANAGE 17% Identify, design, plan, and complete the individual project/task, applying organizational skills and strategies to meet stated objectives. � AO 2 USE RESOURCES 22% obtain and select information from a range of course, analyse data, apply relevantly and demonstrate understanding of any appropriate linkages, connections and complexities of their topic. � AO 3 DEVELOP AND REALISE 44% Select and use a range of skills, including new technologies to solve problems, to take decisions critically, creatively and flexibly, and to achieve planned outcomes. � AO 4 REVIEW 17% Evaluate outcomes including own learning and performance, Select and use a range of communication skills and media to convey and present outcomes and conclusions.

How does the EP learning /assessment differ from your other A levels? �Many of your projects will complement your existing subject studies. However, the type of learning and assessment will be different. With more time to pursue independent research and developing your own approach to your own objectives, you will be able to develop a deeper and more reflective understanding of your subject area. With the help of your mentor, you need to challenge yourself to think more reflectively and analytically about the main concepts that you might otherwise take for granted.

SKILLS �The amount of hours spent on this project will be much larger that most others that you will have carried out. In order to manage this, you will be expected to extend and broaden your SKILLS. �ACTIVITY: The following skills will be needed to complete the project. �In the columns below, identify whether the skill is currently a strength for you, whether it will need development, and some ideas about what support you might need to develop these skills.

How will the EPQ will be written up? �These word counts are suggested but not mandatory, but can help you to structure your project to ensure that you write enough to cover the different weighting of the assessment objectives. This structure will help to ensure that your submission of logically organised and structured, and relevant to the AOs. �A written report is not the only model; if you are producing an artefact, then you may produce a workbook for example.

�ACTIVITY: look carefully at the format. �Are there any aspects that you do not understand or would like clarifying?

�Finally for today…. �Look again at the list of project titles and your area of interest. See if you can pin down a preliminary project title. You are not committing to this! Just see if you can frame something for now. �Write this on a post it note and stick it on your table. �Walk around the room and read others. �When you return to your table, see if you want to amend your idea. Write your final version (for today!) in the space below.

Deadlines �Choose a title – by the end of next week �Find a mentor – by the end of term �Get started on your research – over the summer �First formal meeting with mentor – beginning of September �Completed research – by Christmas �First draft – February half term �Completed project - Easter

Next session �We will talk about: �Avoiding plagiarism �Keeping a log �Using a range of sources �How to complete your form �Identifying a mentor

What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism �https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Cha 331 v_vh. Y

Avoiding plagiarism �Keep good accurate records of your reading �ALWAYS keep a note of where you read something �Set up a document to keep your references: �E. g. Lane (1996) p 65. �‘How to do the EPQ’ by Alison Lane (1996) Penguin

Using a range of resources �Tips – A RANGE of sources �Don’t use just the internet �Don’t use just one book �https: //scholar. google. co. uk/

Wikipedia? Yes or no? �https: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Wiki �https: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Gun_politics_in_the_ United_States

Filling out your form �This form needs to be completed by Friday 3 rd July �KEEP A COPY – leave a copy in the sixth form post box �I will meet with you individually before the end of term