Extended Project Qualification

The Extended Project Qualification, better known as the EPQ, is a Level 3 qualification which gives students an opportunity to carry out extension work beyond the standard A Level syllabus.

Students work on a project of their own devising, on a topic in which they are particularly interested. For the project students:

• choose an area of interest
• draft a title and aims of the project
• plan, research and carry out the project
• deliver a presentation of their project
• provide evidence of all stages of the project development and production for assessment.Students have explored a diverse range of topics for their EPQs: whether Maoist China was a failed state; the representation of women in British politics; and the ethics of NHS treatments of ‘lifestyle’ conditions.

As well as the independent study aspects of the qualification, students also receive teaching and one-on-one support by specialist supervisors. This includes taught sessions on research, project management, referencing, presenting and producing academic reports.

Not only does the EPQ benefit students in their A-level studies but it also gives them the best possible foundation for future study at university. Students are awarded a grade and UCAS points for completing the EPQ, which is worth half an A Level and is recognised by Russell Group and other top universities. The qualification is increasingly used as a discriminator by universities and can even form part of a university offer. This is not surprising considering the valuable range of skills it develops. This means the EPQ gives students an additional opportunity to stand out in the increasingly competitive race for places at the best universities.

Loreto students have performed extremely well in their EPQs, with the overwhelming majority of students receiving high grades. This year 98% of students achieved A*-B on the EPQ.