Introduction to Department: 

The AQA Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides students with the opportunity to pursue an independent project, developing advanced skills in planning, research, critical thinking and academic writing. The EPQ promotes autonomy, intellectual curiosity and academic maturity, supporting progression to higher education and future career pathways. 

Results & Achievements 

In a typical year there are between 70-90 students who undertake an EPQ with over 80% securing grades A*-B. Having a strong EPQ grade often results in universities making a grade lower offer and a great many students have benefitted from this in previous years.  

 

Some example titles from previous years of A* projects:  

• Artefact: To design and make a headpiece of 14th century mail armour and a hand forged medieval sword from the same period, using traditional methods 
• Artefact: Analysing the effects of aerodynamics on a model rocket that will be designed for meteorological purposes. 
• Artefact: To restore a 2001 Vauxhall Corsa Comfort 
• Dissertation: How significant is sleep for academic performance? 
• Dissertation: What impact did the disparity of laws for black and white women have on society during early 20th century America 
• Dissertation: Will Generation Z Ever Achieve Homeownership? A Study on Housing Affordability and Economic Challenges 
• Dissertation: Tissue engineering: why is the future not here yet? 

Recommended Reading List: 

1. The Good Research Guide – Martyn Denscombe - Still the clearest, most student-friendly introduction to smallscale research. Ideal for structuring an EPQ from start to finish. 
2. The Craft of Research – Booth, Colomb & Williams - Excellent for shaping research questions, building arguments, and understanding what makes evidence persuasive. 

3. They Say / I Say – Graff & Birkenstein - Teaches the essential “moves” of academic writing - how to frame arguments, counterarguments, and integrate sources effectively. 

4. Cite Them Right – Pears & Shields - The gold-standard guide for referencing. Helps students avoid plagiarism and produce professionallevel academic work. 

5. Bad Science – Ben Goldacre - Brilliant for developing critical thinking, understanding flaws in evidence, and learning to challenge assumptions—valuable for any EPQ topic. 

6. TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking – Chris Anderson - A superb resource for preparing the final EPQ presentation with clarity, confidence and impact. 

Learning by Key Stage: 

KS5: Students are enabled to identify an area of personal interest, design a focused research question or artefact brief, plan their project pathway and produce a substantial outcome. The EPQ develops higher-order thinking skills including analysis, synthesis, evaluation and evidence-based argument. 

Students select a topic, conduct independent research, maintain a Production Log, and complete a written report (typically 5,000-word dissertation for a research-based project; or 2,000-word report for an artefact-based project). They receive guidance during taught skills sessions covering research methodology, project management, academic writing, ethical considerations, referencing and presentation skills. Supervisors hold scheduled review meetings to monitor progress and ensure authenticity. 

Assessment is based on the Production Log, the final project product, and an oral presentation. Marks are awarded across four Assessment Objectives: 

• AO1 – Manage: identify topic, plan and organise the project (20%) 
• AO2 – Use Resources: research, select and analyse information (20%) 
• AO3 – Develop & Realise: decision-making, problem-solving, production of outcome (40%) 
• AO4 – Review: evaluate processes, outcomes and present findings (20%) 

Staff

EPQ Coordinator: Hamish Morton htm@bws-school.org.uk