The Extended Project

The Project is an AS Level, designed to provide A Level students with a range of transferable skills such as planning, research, analysis and evaluation. Students work independently to produce a single piece of work, which can be a dissertation, investigation/field study, artefact or performance. Assessment will be based on how well the project is planned, managed, completed and reviewed.

For those wishing to continue to higher education, the Extended Project will provide a platform to support future learning. It also offers the opportunity for students to differentiate themselves from their peers and to demonstrate motivation for the intended course of higher study.

Leading universities are highly appreciative of the Extended Project and encourage students to take it.

"We regard this qualification as excellent preparation for higher education study. It may not be included in an offer, but Admissions Tutors may well take it into account when deciding whether they are able to make you an offer." University of Bath

The course consists of a taught element, which includes an introduction to research methods and evaluation skills, together with the actual completion of the Project. The Project is 100% internally assessed and externally moderated. Students choose the topic of their Project with the help and guidance of their Extended Project supervisor.

The Extended Project title can either expand the student's learning in a current field of study or can relate to personal interests or aspirations.

The Project offers an exciting method of study, allowing students to demonstrate abilities of independent and self-motivated study in a chosen field. During the process, students will develop skills such as independent learning, initiative, project management, planning, research, problem-solving and presentation skills.

Entry requirement: normally a minimum GCSE score of 58 points from 8 subjects.

Recent research topics chosen by students

Examine the ontological argument for the existence of God.
Give your interpretation of Freud's Theory of Dreams.
Discuss what "ideology" means and the different uses and abuses to which it may be put in a political system.
Explore Aristotle's argument supporting his view that the contemplative life is the chief good.
Education is an indivisible part of the prosperity of a nation. Discuss.
Advertising: information or manipulation?
Forests are the lungs of the earth. Should the destruction of rain forests be prohibited? How is it possible to protect rain forests?
Should animal experimentation be permitted? Critically discuss and evaluate some of the different arguments both for and against animal rights.
Can the death penalty be a deterrent to crime?
Technology makes communication easier in modern society. What difficulties does society face by using computers rather than face-to-face contact as the main means of communication?
What are the main roles that the United Nations plays in international politics? To what extent is it successful?
With the 1920s came a new era of jazz music: what were the influences behind this new musical genre and how has it influenced modern musicians of today?
Examine critically the idea that each nation or "people" has a right of self-determination to form a state of its own.
Women first received the right to vote in the 1920s. Examine the women's Suffragette Movement and the people and factors contributing to it. Besides enabling women to vote, how has this movement affected women for future generations?
Examine the uses to which referenda may be put in a political system. What are the justifications for holding a referendum, and on what sorts of issues?
Could China become a threat to the US economy?
Examine wireless communication and Bluetooth technology.
What are the main trends in the convergence of computers and television? What social implications do these have for families, schooling, work, and leisure activity?
Examine the impact of nationalism on the political system in a country of your choice. How does the group involved define itself and what are the end goals that nationalism is used to justify?

Why choose the extended project at the Henley College?

The qualification is highly relevant to Higher Education Study and Employment.

The Extended Project is an AS Level qualification. You can earn extra UCAS points

The choice of the project is up to you. It can be related to your main programme of study or you can develop an area of personal interest.

The college has an excellent record of successful project completions.

You will experience an exciting method of study where you will demonstrate your ability to be an independent and self-motivated learner. During the process you will develop skills such as project management, research, planning, problem-solving, time-management, analysis, evaluation and presentation.

Images from Oliver's Brett's project

You will work independently to produce a single piece of work, which can be a dissertation, investigation/field study, artefact or performance. Assessment will be based on how well the project is planned, managed, completed and reviewed. You will have regular tutorials with your project supervisor, throughout the process.

Watch students talking about The Extended Project