Extended Project Qualification level 3
What is the EPQ?
It is a qualification that:
- Comprises a single piece of work, of the students choosing, that shows evidence of planning, preparation, research and autonomous working.
- Is equivalent to about half the size of an A level study programme and will be graded on a six point scale of A* to E. (70 to 20 UCAS points)
- May include: a design; a report; a dissertation; an artefact or a performance
Some examples of titles are:
How far was the Soviet Union until 1939 a betrayal of Marxist Theory?
The engineer and significance of the Brooklyn Bridge.
The Stream of Consciousness: Its inheritance and legacy.
Period Drama: A Modern Fascination
Is cardiovascular disease the number one killer in the UK?
Why does the positioning of functional groups affect the function of drug molecules?
Breaking the Strangles hold - an investigation into the equine disease known as 'The Strangles'
The Credit Crunch and its effects on Higher Education
To what extent are the laws on 'assisted dying' still applicable to modern day beliefs and how important is the effect that religion has on these beliefs?
What are the benefits?
- Extend planning, research and critical thinking, presentation synthesis and evaluation skills.
- To allow students choice and input into the design of an extended piece of work.
- To support application to higher education in the personal statement on the UCAS form and also at interviews
- To provide a 'tool kit' of skills, knowledge and understanding which they will be able to use when tackling similar projects in the future such as dissertations at university.
For more information follow the link www.aqa.org.uk
YASS
What is YASS?
The Open University's Young Applicants in Schools and Colleges Scheme (or YASS for short) enables academically gifted post 16 students to study a range of undergraduate modules at first-year level alongside the school curriculum. This highly successful and respected Scheme is now offered in over 400 schools and colleges across the UK to over 4000 students.
Educational Benefits of YASS
It provides a huge extension to the curriculum and enables students to approach familiar subjects from a different view point. For students studying 4 AS levels, an Open University module can offer the enrichment not provided by the traditional curriculum. Students develop excellent study and organisational skills. Learning to balance the demands of school, Open University study and a part-time job help students develop a strategic approach to their studies.
- Most young students who study with the Open University report an increase in confidence.
- Students who have studied with the Open University are more likely to succeed with their continuing university studies.
- Open University study can help differentiate students on UCAS applications and admissions officers view such study very positively.
- Students can count the module towards an Open University in the future.
Modules on offer are in a range of subjects:
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Studies
- Computing and ICT
- Education
- Engineering and Technology
- Environment
- Financial Management
- Health and Social Care
- Languages
- Law
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Science
- Sport and Fitness
For more information on YASS please visit open.ac.uk/yass
