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Extended Project

The Extended Project is a Level 3 qualification introduced in September 2008. It allows students to expand on a particular area of their study that they find interesting. The project is started in February of L6 and completed in January of U6. Our Triple A students are actively encouraged to take up an EPQ in order to enhance their University applications.

The project usually consists of a 5,000 word report, however, an artefact or performance are alternatives.

Qualifications & Assessments

Exam Board AQA
Level Level 3
Qualification Half an A Level
Assessment Method Internally Assessed Project with External Moderation
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements
Photograph of a student studying

The subject and content of the piece is highly flexible. Students who take this can extend upon a current programme of study, research a hobby, or link it to their chosen university course.

Students will have a weekly timetabled session with their supervisor. This will consist of some teaching of key skills such as referencing, researching and writing an extended report. There will also be time for one to one advice sessions on the student’s own project.

Students who take the Extended Project will sharpen their skills in research, planning, presentation and communication. These skills will better prepare them for the demands of university or employment. Completion of the project will appeal to university admissions tutors, making applications stand out from the crowd.

Grades for Extended Projects are worth UCAS points equalling:

  • A* – 28 Points
  • A – 24 Points
  • B – 20 Points
  • C – 16 Points
  • D – 12 Points
  • E – 8 Points

Many universities take the Extended Project into account when offering places and some will give reduced offers in the other A level grades, alongside an A or B in the Extended Project

The EPQ is particularly useful for those students applying for competitive courses such as Medicine and Law. It allows students to demonstrate independent study skills which are much in demand. Students will also be able to study an area linking to the career area that they wish to follow.

A day’s visit to Manchester University takes place in November which allows students access to the University Library resources.

News & Blog

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Students from our Business department took a trip to Cadbury World in Birmingham. Here they learned about the marketing and strategies Cadbury use and how the business has evolved over the years. The students undertook a number of activities to help in their understanding of the Cadbury brand, which gave them real life experience linking […]

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A group of our computing and IT students recently went on a trip to MBDA in Bolton. There they had a tour of the facility where they construct missiles for the defence industry. The students were really engaged, asking lots of questions and getting a lot of facts.

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Aquinas Drama students were out at the Theatre again on 4th December watching the Musical “Spend Spend Spend”, at The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.

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Over 70 of our Media and Film students attended the UCAS Create Your Future event at Manchester Central. This exciting showcase is designed for those interested in creative careers, offering a unique opportunity to explore paths in video production, filmmaking, journalism, graphic design, and more.

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