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Extended Project

at Balcarras School, Cheltenham · school or sixth form

Level 3Stepping stonesProject/Extended Project within Diploma (14-19)24 monthsFull time£1

What the college says

The Extended Project is a Level 3 qualification and is intended to stretch and challenge students beyond their A-level choices; it is therefore highly regarded by universities and employers alike. The EPQ allows each student to embark on a self-motivated and largely independent project. The students have freedom of choice over their project’s title, subject to approval by the course coordinators, and the direction of its completion; our students find this highly rewarding. The project topic is chosen entirely by the student and can take the form of an extended research based 5000 word report or an artefact with a research based 1000 word report. The artefact could encompass; planning and teaching a lesson, a performance, a sculpture or many other formats. AQA encourages students’ curiosity and creativity, and each year we are impressed by the huge range of inspiring and interesting ideas that the students come up with. Further to this, the freedom of the course enables students to develop their time management and organisational skills whilst the taught element provides students with vital skills such as referencing and source reviewing which prepares them for academic writing at university level. Through the delivery of taught elements and through supervisor meetings teachers impart to students the key management and planning skills necessary for the completion of the project, and supervise and monitor students’ progress. The EPQ involves extended autonomous work by the stud

What you need to get on

The minimum requirement for entry to the sixth form is 2 grade 6s and 3 grade 5s in full GCSE courses. These must include a grade 5 or above in both mathematics and English language or literature.

How you are assessed

Entry level and Level 1 study, English and maths retakes, and supported programmes.

What this level means

The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.

Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?

Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.

Where it runs

  • BALCARRAS SCHOOL CHELTENHAM

    EAST END ROAD, CHELTENHAM, GL53 8QF

    DaytimeClassroom based
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Start dates

  • 1 September 2026 · CHELTENHAM

Who else teaches this exact qualification

Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.

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