Extended Project Qualification

EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION
The Extended Project is a new qualification which is equivalent in value to an AS and is being strongly encouraged by Universities. It will form a compulsory part of the new Diploma. The Project is one of your own choosing and it is designed to enable students to develop an idea in any one of the following ways:

• A project based around individual work
  
• A project can be based round some research leading to an extended essay or report of 5,000 words, or it could be based around designing and producing a practical product, or even planning and organising an event with a 1,000 words of supporting evidence.
  
• You will be supported by an assigned 'mentor' from the teaching staff to give you help and advice
  

It is hoped that students will be able to broaden their experience. On successful completion they will receive formal recognition and accreditation gaining a grade from A* to E.

Are there any special requirements?

The choice of title is only limited by your imagination! - It does not have to have a curriculum link. The project will foster research skills and critical thinking.

Proposed titles include:

• How to train my horse to Novice level dressage?
  
• Sharia law in Britain
  
• Proton Decay
  
• Post World War 2 British Society
  
• Making an Electric Guitar
  
• Taxation
  
• Alcoholism- the causes and effects
  
• Motivational strategies for sports clubs
  
• Producing a film on drug abuse
  

Core Values

• Personal Development: helping students develop their knowledge and interest in a topic of their choosing
  
• Communication and presentation skills.
  
• A stepping stone to employment and university.
  
• Develops motivation and experience of writing at dissertation level
  
• Broadens experience
  
• An opportunity to show breadth of knowledge
  

What and how will I be studying?
There will be two hour long sessions with your mentor. Some parts of lessons will be class taught: such as generic skills including advanced research methods, learning styles, referencing, synthesis and analysis etc.

There will be regular one to one mentoring sessions with your teacher. You will make a series of mini presentations during the course

How is the Course assessed?
You produce an essay or an' artefact' supported by the end on March. This is assessed by your teacher, internal verifier and external verifier. You will also do a presentation.

What opportunities are there?
The Extended project will help students develop by managing their own learning effectively. It can also contribute immensely to your UCAS application as the award will attract UCAS points, or your job application.