Why choose the EPQ?
At East Leake Academy, students can opt to undertake an EPQ qualification at post 16 level, alongside their A level options. This is a highly recognised and valuable qualification to support university applications. It consists of an independent research project on a topic chosen by the student. The student must produce a 5,000-word essay or create a ‘product’ plus a 1,000-word essay.
Students work independently on their project but will be guided and supported by teachers.
Level: AS level
Board: AQA
Head of department: Kim Chapman
Entry requirement: Students should be working at grade C in year 12 to undertake
an EPQ
Topic areas covered
Students choose their own topics and area of interest to research. Previous projects have included:
- Flaws in our current legal system
- Are prisons an effective form of punishment?
- Corruption hidden at high level in football – UEFA
- Has aviation truly benefitted society?
- Links between cancer treatment’s effectiveness and exercise
- Is pleading insanity a loophole for criminals?
- Does perception of beauty affect women’s careers?
- What is the most efficacious treatment option for paediatric OCD?
How will AS level EPQ be delivered and assessed?
| Component | Content | Assessment |
| Project proposal | Students select a topic of personal interest and draft a title and aims for approval | Assessed as part of project management |
| Project development | Research and analysis | Evidence shown in production log and supporting materials. |
| Planning and managing tasks | Evidence shown in production log and supporting materials. | |
| Developing the project (e.g. essay, artefact) | ||
| Final Project Outcome | Either a 5,000-word report or an artefact (e.g. model, event, design) accompanied by a 1,000-word report | Submitted for final marking |
| Presentation | Delivered to a non-specialist audience explaining research, findings and reflection on learning | Assessed on clarity, engagement and ability to answer questions |
