David Lewis, Principal of Elea High Online School, on why the Extended Project Qualification can give university-bound students a real advantage

In recent months, choices for GCSEs and A levels have been front of mind for students and their parents. ‘Which subjects should I choose?’ and, ‘Will my choices at GCSE limit my A-level options and subsequently my university courses?’ are questions regularly posed to careers advisors. Many factors influence the final decision but, on the whole, most students choose subjects that interest them and which allow them flexibility in their academic career path.

While the focus is understandably on GCSEs and A levels, there is another qualification, often overlooked, which has immeasurable value in terms of its impact on secondary and tertiary education – the Extended Project Qualification or EPQ.

As Principal of Elea High Online School, and previously at a high-achieving international school, I have witnessed the benefits that can be gained by students undertaking the EPQ. These range from the development of research and  academic writing skills and formulating arguments and counterarguments to showing how they consider topics from multiple perspectives. 

There are four iterations of the EPQ; Dissertation, Investigation, Artefact and Performance, with this variety allowing students with a range of talents to find an EPQ for them. The qualification can be undertaken over the course of four terms or via an ‘Express’ route undertaken in 14-16 weeks. It is an opportunity for students to choose a topic they want to study, learning project management skills in the process. There’s no age limit on taking an EPQ either, so if you have the determination to succeed, a passion for your topic and the skills to develop it, then you are ready to begin.

The scope of an EPQ is virtually limitless. It is designed to extend learners in new forms of learning and develop perseverance and resilience.  We’ve had students investigating the holographic principle in physics, the impact of the fast fashion industry on living standards in third world countries and the role of gender in voting patterns.

“Universities often give priority to students holding a strong EPQ grade knowing they will be ready for the demands of undergraduate study”

We are proud to say that our first cohort all achieved A or A* grades for their projects and we have seen ongoing success each year, with our current cohort on track to achieve similar results. Where the real benefit has been seen is in our students’ enhanced performance at A level and how well the course prepares them for university, where all of our EPQ graduates have been at the top of their cohorts. For this reason, universities often give priority to students holding a strong EPQ grade knowing they will be ready for the demands of undergraduate study.

The demands of the EPQ are very rigorous; students must write a project proposal and, through the entire course, maintain a project activity log, reflecting on their learning. In addition, they need to undertake a literature review, considering bias, argument and counter argument and then write a 5,000-word dissertation, a report on their investigation, or the process they followed in creating an artefact or performance. Finally, they must deliver a presentation to a wide audience and answer any questions posed on their topic. Throughout the process they must constantly use their critical thinking skills to attain the highest grades.

The EPQ is proven to supercharge students’ learning potential and, alongside the comprehensive suite of IGCSE and A-level subjects we offer at Elea High, gives students both the confidence and the ability to pursue their higher education goals.

Elea High Online School eleahigh.com

Further reading: Teaching entrepreneurship – four schools talk business

Elea High School EPQ Feature Featured senior Sixth Form