EPQ

What is the EPQ?

The EPQ is a stand-alone qualification that Year 12 students may choose to take alongside their A-Levels. It is an independent piece of research and work, which may be linked to any of your A-Level subjects but it, must not duplicate any work that you cover at A-Level. You may also choose to undertake a project theme that supports an extra-curricular interest or is related to your future career aspirations.
The EPQ carries UCAS points - full details can be found at the following link.
Students undertaking the EPQ are required to undertake the following:
1. Choose an area of interest
2. Draft a title and aims of the project
3. Plan, research and carry out the project
4. Deliver a presentation to a non-specialist audience (e.g. students, teachers etc.)
5. Provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment. The production log is as crucial as the actual project and forms part of the overall marking process.
Each student will be allocated a teacher who will act as the project mentor and ensure that you complete each project milestone. Students must also complete a detailed production log to help demonstrate planning, development and review.

The extended project is expected to involve around 120 hours of work.
Whilst some of this time will be spent in EPQ-related lectures and in mentor meetings, the vast majority of the work will need to be carried out independently outside of school hours.
Sessions will take place each Wednesday afternoon in the enrichment slot, and will cover key skills such as referencing and research skills.
Students who undertake an EPQ must be prepared to commit around three hours per week to their project over and above the hours already required for A-Level study.
Every year, significant numbers of students drop their EPQ mid-way through the course. While reasons vary, this is commonly due to being unable to manage the demands of an EPQ as well as commitments to their core subjects. This is especially challenging during exam periods and around coursework deadlines.
Further guidance on the work involved can be found in the links below, which must be read prior to making your application.

Students wishing to study for an EPQ must have base target A-Level grades of ABB or better.
Your most recent report data must indicate that you are on target to achieve your target grades, and must have no negative engagement grades.

Ensure that you meet the entry criteria for the EPQ.
Read the 2019 Production Log (found here), which you will need to complete in addition to the 5000 work final report.
Read the EPQ Activity Pack, which will outline the different work-strands involved.
Read the EPQ Ethical Project guide, which contains guidelines for devising and completing the project.
Complete the BGS EPQ Application form, sign it and submit to Mrs P Hawkins by 09:00 on Friday 30 November 2018.
Applications will be reviewed in December, and successful applicants notified by MILK message in early January.
Note: Places are limited. Where there are a large number of applicants, you may be called to attend a short interview with a member of the Sixth Form team.

Date	Activity
30 November 2018	Deadline date for EPQ applications
3-14 December 2018	Applications assessed
4 January 2019	Applicants notified of the outcome. Supervisor details will be issued to successful applicants
6 September 2019	Deadline date for the submission of completed production logs and projects ahead of marking and moderation process
16 January 2020	EPQ results released to students (note that this date is after the deadline date for Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary UCAS applications)