The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

This Extended Project qualification or EPQ offers students the opportunity to take control of their own learning and time in order to study a project of their own design. Each project is individually negotiated and lets students show off their creative, analytical, evaluative, and practical skills. Class discussions and presentations develop ideas, and then each project is assessed on its individual merit. This course is 100% coursework.  We assess work based on students’ time-management and organisation; use of resources; development and materialisation of the chosen output; and ability to review the research process. The Centre-awarded grades are then sent to AQA to be corroborated by the Exam Board.

Projects can be undertaken in any area of study and can result in either one of the following outcomes: 

• A research-based written report or dissertation: students choose a topic and question and produce an essay of approximately 5,000 words. This can be a field study or a scientific investigation, an exploration of a hypothesis, or an extended essay on a theoretical issue.
• An artefact or production: a brief designed by students and then realised in a physical format. This can be a piece of artwork, a website or a book; a film or a podcast; a pamphlet or a campaign – the possibilities are endless. The final artefact or production needs to be accompanied by a 1,000-word report showing students’ research journey and conceptual or aesthetic choices in completing the final piece.

We also offer a particular pathway under the Extended Project umbrella for students who are interested in Creative Writing, which is as an artefact-based EPQ. Students who take this option may find themselves perfecting their oeuvre at the Arvon Foundation writing retreat centre in the Mendips. Many graduates of this particular strand of our curriculum have gone on to writing courses at university.

​A Cyber EPQ and an AI EPQ are also available as an option, particularly for those interested in Maths and Computing. These are report-based EPQs offered by City and Guilds.

The CyberEPQ

​We have offered the CyberEPQ from CIISec over the last few years and the impact on our students has been dramatic. They have said that the course has made the world of cyber security feel more accessible. The majority have said it has changed their career plans with cyber related degrees or apprenticeships being their next step. A number from our first cohort have already secured highly competitive places on degree courses and apprenticeships.
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Each September we take our CyberEPQ students to the International Cyber Expo at Olympia. They are able to meet with exhibitors and take part in demonstrations. This is the perfect kick start to your cyber journey.

The course starts with online learning modules created by CIISec that give a wide understanding of cyber security issues. This knowledge is valuable for all students and sought after by employers. The course then follows a similar path to mainstream EPQs. It counts as half an A level and successful students will also receive a free year of CIISec membership (grades A*-B are accredited affiliates and grades C-E are affiliates). 

Subject Information

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