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 their intended course of higher study.  Leading universities are highly appreciative of the Extended Project and encourage students to take it.

The Project is 100% internally assessed and externally moderated. 

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.  Students choose the topic of their project with the help and guidance of their Extended Project supervisor.

In the past students have produced a wide range of artwork, for example a painting to illustrate a poem by John Keats; an artefact such as a calorie counter to calculate daily calorie intake and a website designed to encourage girls and young women to get involved in politics; dissertations on contemporary moral or political issues, including, for example, a study of UK’s energy policy and an investigation of whether men and women are portrayed as equals in the media.  Other studies include an investigation into the effects of acid rain and the best methods of feeding a horse or pony.  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.