Project Qualifications
Project Qualifications have been designed to develop independent learners, with a range of transferable skills that are so important for higher education and jobs.
Students carry out an extended enquiry into any topic from any subject that they’re enthused. Ideally, the experience will help their aspirations towards further study and career.
What learners do:
- Select a topic
- Identify a question or brief and intended outcomes
- produce a plan for how they will reach the outcomes
- carry out research using appropriate techniques
- See the project through to completion
- Create a product e.g. report, design prototype or essay
- Review the project and their own learning
Students are assessed on the product and process of the project they submit - there is no content to learn or exam.
HPQ is a Level 2 qualification and is equivalent to half a GCSE. Project Science can give students two HPQ, equivalent to an extra GCSE qualification. Officially, HPQ requires 60 guided learning hours.
EPQ is a Level 3 qualification. with UCAS points equivalent to 0.5 of an A-level, It is highly regarded by many universities. While the basic project structure is the same, for EPQ students need to carry out the project more independent, and demonstrate more critical thinking. Officially, EPQ requires 120 guided learning hours,
EPQ vs HPQ
The table below highlights the differences between the two Project Qualifications:
| Criteria | EPQ | HPQ |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification level | Level 3 | Level 2 |
| Suggested learning hours | 120 | 60 |
| Research complexity | Must critically select, analyse, and apply research methods | Basic analysis of sources |
| Project Outcome | 5000-word port or prototype with 1000-word report | 2000-word report or prototype with short report |
| Presentation Requirements | 10-15 minute presentation to peers and assessors | Optional presentation |
| Assessment criteria | Focusing on higher-order thinking skills | Focusing on developing research skills |
| Support allowed | Minimal guidance, mainly independent work | More guidance and structured support from teachers |
| Academic writing | Advanced level writing expected, with proper referencing | Developing academic writing skills |
| Project management | Self-directed project management | Basic project management skills |
Flexible routes
The course is designed so that students can access all three levels of Project Qualifications, depending on their competence at science/engineering practices and transferable skills. Over the two years of the course, there are possible combinations:
- 2 HPQs: students do a guided project in year 10, and then another one in year 11, aiming for a higher grade
- 1 HPQ plus 1 EPQ: after the year 10 projects, students demonstrate enough independence and critical thinking to submit their year 11 project for EPQ
- 1 FPQ plus 1 HPQ: students struggle with the requirements of project work. They reach FPQ standard in year 10 but rise to the level of HPQ by Y11
