HPQ

The Higher Project Qualification (HPQ)  is divided into 4 units, each related to one of the 4 assessment objectives (AO). The projects element of Practisiing Science follows a similar structure, guiding students through each unit, and completing the appropriate form, to record their progress.

AO1 (Manage) requirements

  • choose, plan, and manage a project effectively, selecting a topic, setting clear objectives, and creating a detailed plan
  • complete a proposal form outlining their rationale, milestones, and resources, as well as maintain an activity log to track progress.

AO2 (Use resources) requirements

  • obtain and apply relevant information, involving sources such as books, articles, and expert interviews

AO3 (Develop and realise) requirements

  • complete their projects according to their plans.
  • present in a coherent and logical way, as a written report or an artefact

AO4 (Review) requirements

  • evaluate project outcomes and strengths and weaknesses, reflecting on learning and suggesting improvements

 

All the outcomes of HPQ are covered by the Practising Science teaching syllabus.  The table below show the course outcomes match HPQ outcomes.

HPQ outcome Practice/skill from teaching syllabus
Describe why they have chosen the project and skills and knowledge they want to improve (AO1) Practice: Devise questions
Identify objectives for the project  (AO1) Practice: Construct explanations
Plan activities and agree deadlines during the project  (AO1) Practice: Test hypotheses,Practice: Plan variables
Identify possible risks and how to overcome them  (AO1) Practice: Estimate risks
Keep records of activities undertaken, using the original project plan.  (AO1) Practice: Communication
Research information from a range of sources and different types of source  (AO2) Practice: Interrogate sources,Practice: Collect data
Evaluate the reliability of sources  (AO2) Practice: Critique claims
Keep records of the relevant information obtained  (AO2) Skill: Independent learning
Use a range of skills, including appropriate technologies, working with others and problem solving to complete a project  (AO3) Skill: Collaboration,Skill: Independent learning,Skill: Problem-solving,Skill: Creativity
Meet project objectives  (AO3) Skill: Independent learning
Share the outcomes  (AO3) Practice: Communication
Analyse results  (AO4) Practice: Present data,Practice: Analyse patterns
Draw own conclusions  (AO4) Practice: Draw conclusions,Practice: Examine consequences
Review the results of the project  (AO4) Practice: Discuss limitations,Practice: Justify opinions
Review their own performance  (AO4) Skill: Independent learning
Share the review and evaluation of learning and performance.  (AO4) Practice: Communication

 

How the course covers each Assessment Objective

 

    HPQ Grades

    The HPQ is graded on students' outputs and the evidnece they submit and will result in:

    • Grade A* - equivalent to a grade 9 at GCSE.
    • Grade A - equivalent to a grade 7.
    • Grade B - corresponds to grades 5 or 6.
    • Grade C - matches grade 4.
    • Grade U - unclassified.

    How projects are evaluated

    An HPQ project is evaluated on both the product - a write up or artefact -  and the quality of the process students follow, include design choices, research material selection, and idea implementation.

    Students provide evidence of these stages through their project report, proposal form and activity log. The teacher assessor marks the work, according to clear marking guidelines set out in the HPQ specification. Project marks are usually submitted to the Awarding Body by their coursework deadline which is IN mid-May, and the Awarding Body may moderate the scores to ensure consistency.

      Assessing a Science-based HPQ

      The HPQ's assessment objectives are particularly well-suited for the science and engineering projects in the Practising Science course. Students will naturally meet all the requirements by following the teaching and projects elements we have designed, plus the focus of science and engineering on primary data often results in higher marks that a secondary research proejct.

      • AO1 focuses on project management skills, aligning with planning and questioning in scientific inquiry.
      • AO2 emphasizes resource use, similar to research and data collection in science.
      • AO3 involves applying skills, mirroring data analysis and interpretation.
      • AO4 requires reviewing outcomes, akin to constructing explanations and engaging in evidence-based arguments in science.

      GCSE grades

      The Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) is graded out of 40 marks, and these are converted into a GCSE grade:

      • A*: 36-40 marks (90-100%)
      • A: 32-35 marks (80-89%)
      • B: 28-31 marks (70-79%)
      • C: 24-27 marks (60-69%)
      • Unclassified: 0-23 marks (0-59%)