Knowing how to support your teen with A level choices can be tricky. In all of these choices and changes, you might have heard about the EPQ. But what is it? And how can you support your teen if they’re looking into it?
We’ve put together a handy guide to help you understand what your teen will be weighing up and how to support them.
What does EPQ stand for?
EPQ stands for Extended Project Qualification. It’s essentially an extra qualification for teens to push their studies beyond their core A levels, to explore their interests and build a deeper understanding of their chosen topic.
What do you have to do for the EPQ?
The EPQ is a research project offered to sixth form students made up of 2 parts: either a 5,000 word essay or an artefact, and an EPQ presentation. The artefact can be anything related to your teen’s chosen topic, like an app or a sculpture and it’s a good option for a more hands-on approach. But, if your teen is more interested in writing then the essay is the way to go – both are equally valued by examiners, so it’ll come down to your teen’s strengths and interests when they choose which one to go for.
Balancing the work involved in the EPQ with their other A level subjects will be a real priority, but it is also a great opportunity for teens to develop and build their time management skills as a result. By completing this extended project, teens are also able to show good organisational skills – both key areas that will stand them in good stead both inside the classroom and beyond.
When is the EPQ deadline?
Schools will have their own internal deadline, so your teen will be able to check in with their teacher if they aren’t sure about timescale or have any EPQ questions at their school. They might even be given a Project Supervisor for 1 hour check-ins each week, so this is the perfect time to ask. Project Supervisors are also there to support your teen with planning, choosing the right EPQ ideas and keeping them on track throughout their project to make sure they do their best.
On average, it takes around 120 hours to finish the EPQ – from researching, to planning and execution – so keeping a steady effort will be key. Your teen will start hearing about it from their teachers in Year 12, where they’ll be able to choose whether or not doing the Extended Project Qualification is the right choice for them.
Is the EPQ worth it?
Most students do an EPQ to boost their university applications, that’s why it could be a good idea for your teen to choose a topic that relates closely to the course they want to apply for. But you might be wondering “which universities like EPQ?” and is this university on your teen’s list of application choices anyway? The truth is, EPQs are accepted by all universities, but it could give your teen the extra edge if they’re applying for a highly competitive course or a spot at Oxbridge.
Doing an EPQ could also help your teen with the application itself. Universities love students who are passionate about their subject and this extra project can help your teen demonstrate their interests. After researching their chosen topic, they’ll be able to write an excellent personal statement and confidently discuss their topic with university lecturers if they’re invited for course interviews – a real advantage if spots are more limited.
Understanding how teens will be graded is a good way to see what they’re working towards and can help you guide them at home. Take a look at AQA’s EPQ grade boundaries section to find out how the exam board will be evaluating their project and what they’ll need to do to achieve a top mark.
Is the EPQ equivalent to an A level?
The EPQ is a qualification by itself. It is worth half of an A level, but more than an AS, so students will still need to complete their full A level qualifications to satisfy entry requirements for university. Depending on your teen’s final grade, they can get up to 28 UCAS points, so it’s a great way for them to boost their application. As well as this, completing the EPQ alongside A levels can lead to some universities giving lower offers. For example, if the entry requirements for a course are AAA, the university might offer AAB to applicants with an EPQ.
And there you have it! The MyTutor guide to the EPQ. We know there is a lot to think about when it comes to choosing A levels. Knowing what other options like the EPQ entail can help both you and your teen feel clear and supported at this important time in their education.
If you’re looking for some help with EPQ tuition, we’ve got a whole range of EPQ tutors on hand to support.