Extended Project Qualification

Applications Open - 3rd October 2025

Applications Close - Open all year

Entry Requirements - Please select 3 sixth form courses for your programme.

EPQ, LIBF Finance and Core Maths are allowed in addition to your main programme of study as enrichment choices.

Please go to our school website for more details about option blocks and course information:

https://www.goodwinacademy.org.uk/learn-with-us/sixth-form/courses-and-entry-requirements/

We look forward to receiving your forms

How to Apply - Please apply via KentChoices

The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project allows learners to study a topic area which extends their learning in their area of study, as a standalone qualification. Learners select one of the four units, which may be completed over one or two years. They should select a project topic which expands their learning in their field of study, in a related area, or that is relevant to their own personal interests.

This qualification will enable learners to:

• have significant input to the choice and design of their project and take responsibility for an individual task or a defined task within a group project

• develop and improve their own learning and performance as critical, reflective and independent learners

• develop and apply decision making and, where appropriate, problem solving skills

• extend their planning, research, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills

• where appropriate, develop as e-confident learners and apply relevant technologies in their studies

• develop and apply skills, creatively demonstrating initiative and enterprise

• transfer skills developed as part of their project to other areas of study

• use their learning experiences to support their personal aspirations for further education and/or career development.

The qualification consists of four units, one of which should be selected.

• Unit 1: Dissertation – a theoretical written project on any topic presenting an argument, eg research into a biological, historical or environmental issue

• Unit 2: Investigation/Field Study – a practical investigatory project involving the collection of data, eg a scientific investigation, a geographical study of erosion, a biological study of pollution, a statistical survey

• Unit 3: Performance – development of practical skills resulting in a performance, eg performing music, drama, sport

• Unit 4: Artefact – for example, making a painting or sculpture, designing a piece of furniture or a garment, creating a website, solving an engineering/construction problem, producing a piece of graphic design.

Learners are required to:

select a topic/area of interest for an in-depth study that provides opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and understanding, and to negotiate with their tutor assessor the scope of that project

• select a topic that is agreed by the centre and, if appropriate, an employer

• identify and draft an objective(s) for their project (eg in the form of a question, hypothesis, problem, challenge, outline of proposed performance, issue to be investigated or commission for a client) and provide a rationale for their choice

• produce a plan for how they will deliver their intended outcome

• conduct research as required by the project brief, using appropriate techniques

• develop the intended outcome using selected tools and techniques safely, demonstrating the ability to pursue an extended project through to completion

• share the outcome of the project, including an evaluation of the outcome and their own learning and performance with another or others, using appropriate communication methods

Learners will be assessed on their ability to plan, manage, complete and review their project. It can be completed over one or two years, and is assessed by a tutor-assessor from within the centre and externally moderated by Pearson.

GCSEs Grade 4-9 in English.

There is no requirement for prior learning. This qualification supports progression into further education, training or employment by developing skills in key areas such as planning, research, project management and self-reflection.

This qualification supports progression into further education, training or employment by developing skills in key areas such as planning, research, project management and self-reflection.

Employment: Dependant upon the choice of your project and theme but especially those where research skills and continued learning are relevant.

University: Undergraduate or Foundation degrees in a range of subjects. Can support specific degrees dependent upon the theme of the project.

Employability skills: Prepares students for the range of varied contexts that they are likely to encounter in future employment and life.