Projects at GIS is part of the curriculum where we help students to build their research skills, sharpen their analytical abilities and explore current events. This is a key aspect of their preparation for university and for the wider world.

In Projects, students will complete a piece of extended coursework on a topic of their choice. This can be in the form of an essay, an investigation, an artefact (such as a piece of art, a recipe or a design) or a performance. Students will be encouraged to choose a topic they find fascinating and / or a topic with a direct link to their future ambitions.

Two different routes are available:

Route 1: taking the Higher Project Qualification

What is involved:

This is a formal qualification completed through the exam board AQA. It is the equivalent of ½ of an additional iGCSE.

Students’ work will be assessed by teachers and then checked by the exam board. Each student will then receive a grade of A*-C.

The qualification consists of 100% coursework. Students must meet deadlines and complete all parts of their project to a good standard in order to gain the qualification. They will complete their project by delivering a presentation to their teacher and their peers.

Students will be dedicated to a single project throughout the year. Their teacher will act as a mentor, delivering skill recaps and guiding them through their personal project journey.

Reasons to choose this:

• As it is a formal qualification, more rigour and prestige are involved. It is a useful addition to a student’s CV.

• It is ideal for students who want to prove to future university admissions officers or employers that they have a genuine passion for a certain subject or topic.

• It is a ‘stretch and challenge’ opportunity. Every year, many GIS students taking the qualification produce exceptional work and receive top grades.

Route 2: completing the GIS Mini-Project

What is involved:

This is not a formal qualification and therefore does not have external recognition.

Students’ work will be assessed by teachers within school. They will receive a rating and those performing the best will receive certificates. However, students will not receive a grade.

The project consists of 100% coursework. Students will be given internal deadlines to meet. As with Route 1, they will complete their project by delivering a presentation to their teacher and their peers.

Students will not be dedicated to a single project throughout the year. They will complete other mini-units to broaden their skills.

Reasons to choose this:

• As it is not a formal qualification, this might be a good choice for students who are concerned about balancing their academic commitments.

• Students will still be able to explore an area of passion and build skills that could help them with university admission or employability in the future.

• Lessons will include more opportunities for collaboration between students and more skills-based lessons.

Whichever option they choose, all students will be assessed on:

• Their planning and research skills

• The depth of their understanding of their chosen topic  / the creativity of their design

• The process that they go through to develop their project

• Their ability to reflect on their own work in a presentation delivered to their peers

Why study Projects?

Projects teaches you important skills that will help you in your future studies and career. It is an opportunity to learn about the world around you and understand how you can participate in it. You also get to research a topic of your choice in year 11.

How is Projects assessed?

You will complete a project that is entirely independent. It can be a report/essay, an event, a performance or an artefact. The topic is up to you.

What do students say about Project?

"Projects has given me a bigger insight into topics we don't normally talk about in class"

"I have worked well as an independent enquirer, which has helped me in other subjects such as science"

"I can now cite and evaluate sources, but I can also express myself creatively" 

If you would like further information, or have any questions not covered here, please contact Mr. Brind at brind.a@gardenschool.edu.my