Independent Project Qualification (IPQ)
Overview
Based on AQA’s market leading Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), the IPQ is a project-based qualification that can be studied as a supplement to the students’ full choice of A-levels. This approach is proven to contribute towards improved A-level results. Research by the Centre of Education Research and Practice revealed that students taking the EPQ (IPQ equivalent) are 29% more likely to achieve a Grade A*-B in most of their standard A-level subjects. The IPQ also provides an opportunity for students to extend their abilities beyond the A-level syllabus. By developing a range of academic and 21st Century skills, IPQ students have an opportunity to stand out from the crowd when applying to top universities and employers.
The independent project will develop and extend from one or more of the student’s study areas and/or from an area of personal interest or activity outside their main programme of study. It will be based on a topic chosen by the student and agreed as appropriate by the school.
IPQ is an A-level standard qualification, and it’s worth half of an A-level. Students can use it to demonstrate their independent learning skills when they apply to universities. The AQA EPQ earns half the UCAS tariff points of an A-level. The Oxford AQA Exams IPQ has very similar learning outcomes so we expect it to be tariffed in the same way. A process of university recognition for IPQ will begin in July 2017.
Course Content
The student will:
• identify, design, plan and complete an individual project, applying a range of organisational skills and strategies to meet agreed objectives
• obtain, critically select and use information from a range of sources; analyse data, apply it relevantly and demonstrate understanding of any appropriate linkages, connections and complexities of the topic
• select and use a range of skills, solve problems, take decisions critically, creatively and flexibly, to achieve planned outcomes
• evaluate outcomes in relation both to agreed objectives and to own learning and performance. Select and use a range of communications skills and media to present evidenced outcomes and conclusions in appropriate format.
The taught skills are:
PROJECT PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH SKILLS
REPORT WRITING
PRESENTATION AND ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
REFLECTING IN TERMS OF CREATIVE THINKING AND DECISION MAKING WITH REGARDS TO THE RESEARCH PROJECT
WHAT IS THE PROJECT PROCESS?
Assessment
Students are required, with appropriate supervision, to:
• choose an area of interest
• draft a title, aims and objectives for formal approval by the school
• plan, research and carry out the project
• write a report of 5,000 words
• deliver a presentation to a non-specialist audience
• provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment in the production log.
The Independent Project Qualification is graded and not marked.
The evidence for assessment will comprise the following:
• the completed production log and assessment record including the project proposal form, presentation record and Candidate record form
• the written report and relevant appendices, depending on the topic or subject chosen.
Progression
This qualification offers an opportunity for a student to produce a researched written report on a topic of their own choice. The purpose is to learn how to plan, resource, complete and evaluate a detailed study in a manner that would be recognised by academic and business institutions.
By developing a range of transferable skills, such as independent learning, critical thinking and research, the IPQ gives students an opportunity to stand out from the crowd when applying to top universities and employers.
"…a high predicted or actual grade in this award will be considered a positive attribute when selecting amongst applicants with similar levels of overall achievement." Durham University, September 2017
"…valued by Russell Group universities." Russell Group
"…a useful introduction to the way you will study at university." University of Bristol