Welcome to EPQ

(Extended Project

Qualification)

OUR OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES DD/MM/YY

I will learn to be objective

by presenting evidence for a variety of opinions that I do not necessarily agree with

Subject Objective

I will learn a little about the EPQ course

by thinking about what it means to be an independent learner

Subject Objective

In today’s lesson we will:

• Icebreaker: play Human Bingo• Learn about what EPQ is and what it involves

doing (listening to me )• Brainstorm what it means to be an

independent learner• Carry out some research to argue an opinion

or point-of-view• Present my findings to the group

EPQ – Extended Project Qualification

YOUR TASK

PART ONE: Icebreaker Activity

TIME FOR THIS ACTIVITY:15 minutes

Human Bingo

Each person has a sheet with a grid and in each of the boxes on the grid is a statement (e.g., went on holiday

abroad during the Summer). Speak to your classmates and find out which of the squares you could add their

name to, and write their name in one of the boxes

You need one person for each square, and you can only use each person once.

The object of the game is to fill in each square on your grid with a person’s name.

EPQ – Overview

What is EPQ?

• EPQ stands for Extended Project Qualification

• It is 100% internally assessed… no exam!

• Level 2 Higher is equivalent to ½ GCSE (grades A* - C)

EPQ – Overview

Why me?

• Achievers

• Motivated learners

Why EPQ? What’s in it for me?

• More GCSEs (Target: All pupils A-grade)

• Essential skills for A-level subjects

• Baccalaureate qualification in Sixth Form

EPQ – Assessment

Learning Outcomes: What will I be assessed on?

• AO1 Manage: Select, plan and carry out a project applying skills and methods to achieve objectives.

• AO2 Use resources: Obtain, select and use information, and select and use resources. Interpret data and apply findings.

• AO3 Develop and realise: Use a range of skills to achieve planned objectives.

• AO4 Review: Identify and consider project outcomes and own learning performance. Use communication skills to present

evidence and outcomes.

What does this mean?...

EPQ – Tasks

What do I have to do?

• Choose a topic or issue that you are interested in

• Identify a question which has an intended outcome

• Produce a plan to achieve intended outcome

• Keep a reflective log/journal

• Find out more about your topic by doing some research

• Think critically about what you find out and learn about

• Write up your findings in the form of an essay or report

• Share your findings with the class by doing a presentation

EPQ – Stages and Deadlines

What do I have to do?

Project Proposal Form Mid-October

December

February half-term

End-March

Write up your findings in the form of an essay or report

Find out more about your topic by doing research

Present your findings to the class

Mid-AprilSubmit project

Keep a reflective log/journal Ongoing

EPQ – Skills

Independent learningThe EPQ qualification requires a high level of independent

learning• What is an independent learner?

• What does an independent learner look like?

TASKIn groups of four draw/label /annotate the picture of an independent

learner. Include:

• Personal attributes

• Skills and/or competences

• Any other relevant information

TIME FOR THIS ACTIVITY:5 minutes

EPQ – Skills

FEEDBACK: What does an Independent learner look like?

TIME FOR THIS ACTIVITY:5 minutes

Someone who has the skills to find out for themselves

Knows where to find information and how to find to it

Self-disciplined Independent Good reading skills

Efficient Good communicator Asks the right questions

Reflective Evaluates Critical thinker

Plans effectively Team-player Flexible Sets goals

Collaborates Organises Creates

EPQ – Skills

What skills will I learn?Develop

independent learning skills

Develop investigative skills

Learn how to be a critical thinker

Learn how to be a critical reader

Improve your oral and written communication skills

Become confident in project management

Develop information competence

OBJECTIVES: Traffic Light Check

I will learn about what the EPQ is and what it involves

Subject Objective

I will consider what it means to be an independent learner

EPQ – Issues

CRITICAL THINKING

OPINIONS

RESEARCH

EVIDENCE

EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE

TASK

In groups, discuss a statement which gives a point-of-view on the riots during August

Groups will feedback and we will discuss your opinions as a class

You will then go away and look for evidence to both support and argue against the original

statement

Present your findings to the class

EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE

“This wasn't a general uprising, says Christian Guy, policy director at think tank

the Centre for Social Justice. It was a well co-ordinated operation, which is likely to have been led by young people in street gangs,

he believes.”

TIME FOR THIS ACTIVITY:10 minutes

Discuss in groups of fourDo you agree/disagree? Why?Who else might be to blame?

Tom Castella, (2011) ‘England riots: What's

the evidence gangs were behind the

riots?’, BBC,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-

14540796 (Accessed: 2 September 2011)

EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE

TIME FOR THIS ACTIVITY:5 minutes

Do you agree/disagree? Why?

Who else might be to blame?

EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE

TASK

Present a range of different opinions/arguments for the causes of the August riots

EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE

GROUP TASK• Use the internet to research people’s opinions

on what they think caused the riots

• Start with this BBC site http://bbc.in/n5ZnfH which has links to a number of websites on the

various causes of the riots

• Read the various articles and find out what each identifies as a cause of the riots

• Make a powerpoint to present to the class the evidence that you find

EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE

GROUP TASKYou powerpoint should include at least eight

(8) causes

• For each cause, find two supporting quotations.

• For each quotation, include the URL for the website the quote

• After each reason and quotes, present a slide which gives your opinion on the particular argument (i.e. do you agree with it? Why?)

• Final slide summing up your view and giving the cause you believe to be the main cause

EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE

PRESENTATION

Cause Supporting quote #1

Supporting quote #2

Your response

Cause #8 Supporting quote #1

Supporting quote #2

Your response

Summary conclusion

Each group has

five minutes to

present their

findings

EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE

GROUP TASKPRESENTATIONSWho/what caused the riots?Has your opinion changed?

OUR OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

I will learn to be objective

by presenting evidence for a variety of opinions that I do not necessarily agree with

Subject Objective

I will learn a little about the EPQ course

by thinking about what it means to be an independent learner

Subject Objective

PLENARYPLENARY

Tell the person next to you:

• Three things you are excited about regarding EPQ

• What being objective has helped you find out about