Sixth Form Handbook 2022-24

EXTENDED PROJECT

Course content and structure The Extended Project Qualification has become an increasingly popular way of developing skills that are vital to pupils as they move from secondary to higher education, from school to university. In making this transition, our Sixth Formers need to become self- directed in their approach to learning. The Extended Project aims to develop this skill in ways that are innovative and challenging, to deepen understandings, forge expertise and widen perspectives. Although the successful completion of A-Levels is a necessary stepping stone along any Sixth Former’s educational path, the prescriptive nature of such specifications does not always allow other fields and topics that may be of interest to the individual to be investigated. This is where the Extended Project comes in. It provides opportunities for the development of critical, reflective, problem solving and independent learning skills through the planning, research and evaluation of a self-selected research question. Throughout their in-depth study, candidates have a dedicated Extended Project tutor who oversees their progress, and they are also taught by other staff members of the Extended Project team. The areas covered during this teaching include: asking questions; identifying and evaluating sources of evidence; researching information online; developing critical thinking skills; ethical considerations; evidence- based research; setting out and analysing arguments; identifying a project topic and research question; devising and revising a project proposal; organising a research timetable; locating and accessing research sources; structuring a project; undertaking a literature review; becoming familiar with conventions of academic writing; avoiding plagiarism; using Harvard referencing; and developing the skills needed to give an oral presentation on the research topic. Candidates are required to maintain an Activity Log to chart the progress of their learning.

Some previous research questions on which candidates have written projects: • How far have political changes in Afghanistan in the last decade brought a positive impact on the lives of women?

• What was the most significant effect that arose from the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381?

• Does Stalin’s style of government still exist in the current Russian government?

Should bullfighting be banned in Spain?

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• How ethical is the use of embryonic stem cells to treat incurable diseases? Assessment overview At Level 3, candidates submit their completed projects in the form of a 6000-word dissertation at the end of the Autumn Term in their Upper Sixth year. An oral presentation is then prepared and delivered during the Spring Term of UVI. Projects entered at Level 2 are shorter in length. Candidates are assessed on four aspects: project management; use of resources; the ability to develop and realise an argument; and review and self-evaluation of their work.

UCAS points Level 3 Extended Projects are worth half a GCE for UCAS points status (i.e. the equivalent of an AS Level) and are graded A* to E. Successfully completed Level 2 Higher Projects allow candidates to acquire an additional GCSE qualification.

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