Course information
Study Skills
St Paul's School for Girls - Birmingham
01214540895
Vernon Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9SL
Course summary

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an optional course that is taught and completed alongside a student’s A-level or BTEC qualifications. It provides students with the opportunity to explore and expand upon an area or topic of personal interest that goes beyond their syllabuses and relates to their chosen university degree or career pathway. Students plan, research and write an academic essay on their chosen topic, whilst developing a wide range of personal and academic skills, including: planning and management of a project, decision making and problem solving, presentation skills and communication The EPQ allows students to develop their project management and academic writing skills, which are valued by higher education providers and employers. The EPQ focuses on students learning and honing a wide range of academic and personal skills, including: organisation and time-management, decision making, creative thinking and problem solving, researching and sourcing information, analysing and evaluating data and information, learning how to cite and reference research, how to build an argument, and how to deliver a presentation. The EPQ gives students the opportunity to explore an area of personal fascination, which will help them to positively stand out when applying to universities, apprenticeships or employers for any subject or career. This is to the extent that the EPQ is worth UCAS points (the equivalent of half an A-level) which students can use for when they are applying to universities.

Entry requirements

To be determined by current and predicted results at the start of Year 12

How you'll be assessed

The first part of the EPQ is taught lessons on the skills students need to complete the course. Then students work on their project independently, with guidance throughout the academic year. The EPQ will utilise 2 timetabled DST sessions per week, with the majority of the project to be completed outside of lessons. Students will start the course in the November of Year 12, and finish the course in the October of Year 13. By the end of the project, students will have produced: • A production log — an academic record/diary of their EPQ project • A 5,000 word academic essay on their chosen topic • A presentation about their EPQ project, which will be delivered to an audience Students are assessed on all three components, and will be marked on their abilities to: manage the project, use resources, develop and realise their project, and review their project and learning.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionWest Midlands
Local AuthorityBirmingham
Ofsted RatingOutstanding
Gender TypeGirls
AddressVernon Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 9SL