Subject Pages
Extended Project
The Extended Project gives students two years to pursue independent research and achieve a deeper understanding of a subject area. Lessons will focus on: how to manage a project; how to research and reference effectively; how to analyse the validity of sources; how to write an extended essay; and how to deliver findings in a formal presentation.
This course is an opportunity to personalise learning and extend knowledge and skills in ways that are new and challenging. Students with a strong drive to pursue a certain career or undergraduate course can use this qualification to demonstrate early commitment and develop valuable expertise. Those aiming for places at the most prestigious and competitive universities would find it a distinct advantage to be able to discuss their Extended Project in UCAS applications and university interviews.
Staffing
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Mrs L Perrian |
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| Teacher |
Dr C Spurgeon |
| Prefects |
Minoli Lloyd |
A Level
Content
Extended Project students must submit one of the following coursework formats for internal assessment:
- A dissertation (a theoretical written essay)
- An artefact (essay and sketchbook)
- A performance based project
- A study based on practical, investigatory work
All students will need to produce: a project proposal form; a project activity log; an essay of 2000–6000 words; an oral presentation and an evaluation.
Assessment, Marking and Feedback
There are four assessment objectives for the Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project course: AO1 Manage (17%); AO2 Use Resources (22%); AO3 Develop and Realise (44%) and AO4 Review (17%). Teachers can only give limited guidance on the choice of project topic because students are assessed on the quality of their project planning and management.
Tracking Progress
At the start of the academic year, a weekly plan will be provided for the full two year course which indicates key dates. A copy of the mark scheme is also provided to give details of how marks are awarded in each of the three mark bands.
Assessments
The final grade is given for the final submission of the following material at the end of the two year course:
- A Project Proposal Form
- Activity Log
- An essay (including an evaluation and bibliography)
- Evidence of a presentation
- An evaluation
- Candidate Record sheet
Marking and Feedback
Teachers are not allowed to give detailed advice and suggestions for improvements on coursework and, therefore, only general feedback will be given. Students need to work independently and develop individual initiative.
Students will be given a final internally assessed mark for their work but this is subject to external moderation by the examination board.
Mark Schemes
Click here for the dissertation mark scheme (P301)
Click here for the investigation mark scheme (P302)
Click here for the performance mark scheme (P302)
Click here for the artefact mark scheme (P304)
Specification
Click here for the Edexcel Level 3 Project Qualification specification
Curriculum Map
Click here for the Extended Project Curriculum Map
Reach Stars
Support
Advice
Students who are successful in the Extended Project course are willing to develop their organisational ability and academic curiosity. Most spend about an hour a week pursuing research, monitoring their progress and keeping a log of activities and research sources. Although, the work is independent, the lessons are focused on discussion and collaborative enquiry to share insights from a range of different topics. Students are, therefore, expected to make generous contributions to shared learning. It is important to recognise that the Extended Project methodology is as important as the final outcome; students will need to reflect on their progress and evaluate their work in detail.
Useful External Links
Click here for exemplar material from the exam board
Careers
Potential Careers
The Extended Project can be made relevant to any career choice and this is why students are advised to think carefully about their topic choice. The knowledge and skills gained in the course can demonstrate an aptitude and interest in any discipline.
Alumni
A Dissertation Project by Alysha Cooper
Medical school presented more challenges than I could have dreamed of and so many of these related back to the work I did for the EPQ. My project was based around whether we could take stem cells and manipulate them to grow the way we wanted them to, in order to treat all types of diseases.
Through the EPQ, I learnt how to refine my research process and present my findings clearly and confidently. It was nice to be able to stand in front of a group without worrying about making a fool of myself!
Basically, what I’ve learnt from my time at university is that doing the Extended Project was one of the best decisions I could have made. It has helped in more ways than I ever imagined and I don’t think I’d be where I am now without it.
A Performance Project by Charlotte Churm
I managed to direct and produce a production of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ for my project which sold out at the Whitstable Playhouse. The show was well received by the audience and I was given plenty of positive feedback about the staging and casting, in particular. I felt I dealt well with all the tasks and problems surrounding the performance. To the best of my ability, I remained calm in a crisis. In addition, I managed the budget for the show, resulting in the production making a healthy profit and produced a show I was proud of.
