INTRODUCTION TO LEVEL 3 EPQ AQA 2017 2018

INTRODUCTION TO LEVEL 3 EPQ AQA 2017 -2018

What is the EPQ? • A research/process based qualification • It is the equivalent of half an A 'Level (28 UCAS points = A*)

What does it involve? • Planning and carrying out research on YOUR chosen topic • You can write a 5000 word report/essay OR produce an artefact and write a 1000 word report • Keeping an online production log • Giving a short presentation

What does it involve? • Attending timetabled lessons where you will receive support from your allocated supervisor • Although it is work you carry out independently you will be expected to meet deadlines • Receiving information on skills needed to complete your project efficiently and effectively, for example: • • Time management and creating a detailed project plan Referencing and creating a bibliography How to evaluate sources Analysing qualitative data

What will I gain? • You can learn about something you are interested in but have not been taught • You can gain an extra UCAS points (28=A*) • It will enhance a job, college or university application • It will give you the opportunity to develop/learn a wide range of skills

Estimated timeline • Sept/Oct: Choosing a project, project proposal and approval • Oct: Creating a detailed project plan and researching • Nov - Jan: Researching and producing your ‘product’ • January: final research if needed and finishing your ‘products’ • March: Presentations (your ‘product’ needs to be completed before you carry out your presentation) • April-May: Submission of projects

• Start thinking about ideas for a project and it’s format. • Think about what would benefit you the most. • Have a look at ‘Trinity School EPQ Student Guide’ on the school website (please ignore the registration details for Projectq)

CHOOSING A PROJECT/TOPIC

Two things to consider: • The format • The topic

The Format – essay/report • Approximately 5, 000 words • It has to be evaluative NOT DESCRIPTIVE • Based on your research • Include referencing, bibliography and an evaluation of sources

The Format – Artefact • Produce an artefact which could take one of many forms such as designing, writing, making or performing something • Whatever you produce, it must be based on a substantial amount of research and you have to have a clear aim/objective • Write 1000 -2000 word report on the research you carried out and how it enabled you to create your final product • The report must include referencing, bibliography and an evaluation of sources

The Format – Artefact • Examples of previous artefacts: • Design and produce a 1960’s wedding dress • Design and create a recipe book for university students • Write a gender-neutral story for pre-school children

The Topic • Ideally an area of which you have some background knowledge but have not studied in depth • A topic related to your proposed career or future studies • There should be sufficient and appropriate information/materials available • You may need to do some initial research CHOOSE SOMETHING YOU ARE INTERESTED IN!!!!

What to avoid �The topic CANNOT be covered by any of your A' Level subjects �You CANNOT use the same research being used for another research project e. g. History �Socially sensitive topics �Topics where you have a personal axe to grind �A topic which is too narrow/broad

More ideas • Anna loves technology. She studies business, ICT and Art. She is also interested in fashion and is considered to have a ‘unique’ fashion sense by her friends • Possible project: Designing a website for a vintage clothes shop (artefact)

• Liam studies Maths, English Literature and Dance. He wants to become a professional dancer and is interested in the history of different dance styles • Possible project: To what extent has hip-hop remained true to its roots? (essay)

• Sam studies Chemistry, Biology and Geography. She is really interested in animals and would like to study Ecology at university. • Possible project: To what extent do invasive species have a negative effect on a country and is it right to kill them? (essay)

Questions? Please contact me via e-mail if you have any questions che@trinity. cumbria. sch. uk Mrs Heslop L 3 Extended Project Coordinator

EPQ Summary • Further information can be found under enrichment, service and leadership on the website (Y 12 section) • Research based qualification • Produce an artefact + 1000 report OR 5000 report • You choose your topic • Allocated a supervisor to guide you • Assessment • Production log • Artefact + 1000 report / 5000 report • Short presentation