Extended Project Qualification – Level 3

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides you with an opportunity to explore a topic that interests you. The EPQ can only be taken as a fourth A Level course to complement your three main subject choices. EPQ has no exams, just coursework, so you’ll need to be self-motivated and enjoy working independently. You will learn skills that are highly valued in Higher Education, such as research, developing arguments, organisation and presentation skills.

Subject content

You can decide what you want to study. With the help of your tutors, you’ll choose a topic to explore – it is recommended the topic is one you might like to study in Higher Education or pursue as a career.

There are four types of project to pick from:

• Write a dissertation.
• Produce an artefact, like a sculpture, model or DVD.
• Develop and showcase a performance (sport, drama or music).
• Conduct an investigation/field study.

Examples of previous projects:

• Do violent computer games contribute to anti-social behaviour?
• What are the effects of terrorism on society?
• Is climate change everyone’s responsibility?
• Is it ethical to genetically engineer babies for designer purposes?

Core Maths

Core Maths is a one-year Level 3 course, equivalent to an AS Level. It will help you maintain and develop your mathematical skills from GCSE, preparing you for further study or employment. Many find it insightful and applicable to real-life situations, including personal finance. Offered by AQA, Core Maths enhances career prospects and earning potential by supporting skills in quantitative reasoning and critical analysis. Study Core Maths to keep these essential skills sharp!

Subject content

The course has been designed to maintain and develop real-life maths skills. Unlike A Level Maths, where there is an emphasis on algebra and purely abstract mathematical thought, with Core Maths the focus is instead on using Maths in real contexts, such as interpreting data from the media and personal finance. The emphasis on problem solving and modelling supports the study of other A Level subjects – in particular, business, economics, geography, PE, psychology and science.

Entry requirements

You will need to have a Grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths to be accepted onto the course. Students with a Grade 4 will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This course is unique as it is a one-year qualification, meaning that you can study Core Maths in Year 12 or Year 13. Since Core Maths is designed to support the study of other A Level subjects, it is studied alongside your A Levels, meaning that it is taken as a fourth subject.

You will need to purchase the Casio FX-991CW or Casio FX-991EX calculator for the course as well as a textbook.

Learning methods

You will explore Core Maths by discussion and group work as well as independent research and technology using computers and spreadsheets.

Assessment

This is a one-year qualification with two exams at the end (no coursework). Each exam lasts 1 hour 30 minutes.

Paper 1 – Analysis of data, personal finance and estimation.
Paper 2 – Correlation and regression, normal distribution and confidence intervals.

Preliminary Material – Both papers require using real-world figures and information to critically analyse and evaluate.

Progression

Core Maths plays a vital role, not only supporting students with the mathematical content in their other subjects but providing an opportunity for students to continue with their mathematical study in situations when A Level Mathematics may not be appropriate.