Monkseaton High’s recent Ofsted ‘outstanding’ grade included high praise for the school’s work in relation to the Extended Project Qualification. So, what are the ingredients of a successful EPQ teaching programme? Dr Andrew K Shenton and Andy Sherlaw offer some practical advice

In recent years, the pronounced increase in the number of students undertaking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) has been a significant trend in post-16 education.

With its emphasis on the construction of an essay that is frequently some 5,000 words long as the culmination of a prolonged independent learning task, the work is believed in many schools to be an important bridge in candidates’ progress towards university study.

The EPQ offers other attractions, too. The qualification is itself prestigious, and it now carries higher tariff points than AS levels.

Even as long ago as 2012, data reported in the Ofqual report Fit For Purpose? The View of the Higher Education Sector, Teachers and Employers on the Suitability of A Levels revealed that some universities had reduced their entry requirements for students who had gained it.

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here