higher project qualification (hpq)
“THERE IS NO TRAFFIC JAM ON THE EXTRA MILE”
—Zig Ziglar Motivational speaker, salesperson
Course Overview
The Higher Project Qualification is an ideal course for students who are curious and are keen to investigate a theme of their choosing. It is a nationally recognised qualification that develops students’ independence and enquiry skills.
Students decide on a research question or hypothesis that they will investigate; there is a free choice as to what this might be. They design and follow through their enquiry, keeping a research diary (production log) that tracks their progress. The project gives students an opportunity to develop “skills for life”. It is academically rigorous and is looked upon favourably by admissions tutors from 6th form providers and universities. Completing the project will challenge students and make them think; as a result it is personally rewarding as well as being an additional national qualification.
Listen to the subject presentation from Mrs Simmons by watching the video to the right. You can also find out more by visiting the dedicated HPQ website by clicking here. Please note this is a student website and students will need to be logged into their Warden Park accounts to view.
If a student is studying 'Ingenium' as one of their GCSE options, they should not apply to the twilight programme. This is because the HPQ is part of the Ingenium curriculum.
Entry Requirements
The HPQ presents an academic challenge. We advise that students opting to follow the course in year 10 should have pathways of 6 or above. Students opting to follow the course in year 9 should have character for learning grades of role model and consistently engaged and be making at least good progress throughout Year 8.
All students choosing the course should complete the Twilight Curriculum Application form. Your application will not be considered complete if the form does not meet the minimum word count for each section. The application form asks you to outline your initial idea(s) for your project, please include why you want to pursue this topic. You can include more than one idea if you wish.
Any student who does not meet the minimum pathway requirement and is very keen to follow the course should contact Ms Simmons to arrange a meeting to discuss their possible application before taking any further steps.
Assessment
All students will complete:
A detailed production log that charts their progress and decision making throughout the research process.
A written report of approximately 2000 words.
A presentation, delivered to fellow students and staff.
Students can also choose to create an artefact - if they choose this option, the length of their written report will be reduced.
Students are assessed on the detail in their production log, as well as the other aspects of the project. A significant proportion of the final marks are based on their reflection of how they have gone about the project and what they have learnt about the enquiry process. Successful students are awarded an A*-C grade in line with the exam board’s assessment procedure.
Practical information
Who will deliver the course?
Ms Riis will deliver the 'taught' element of the course and students will also be allocated a subject supervisor. This will be a member of staff who the students will meet with on a regular basis. These meetings are for students to review their progress and gain support in deciding on their next steps.
When?
Taught sessions run from September to April, 3.10pm - 4.10pm. Ms Riis will be delivering the taught sessions every Tuesday between September and April. It is a course requirement that students attend all of these sessions. In addition, students will need to arrange a regular time to meet with their supervisor. Students are expected to meet with their supervisor a minimum of 5 times during the course; some might meet more regularly by mutual arrangement.
What will you need?
A determined, resilient approach! The HPQ is very rewarding. It is also very challenging. Students need to be ready to work through the challenges their enquiry presents. The exam board recommends 60 hours to complete the course; approximately 15 of these hours are taught sessions. This means that students are required to work with a high level of independence in their own time in order to complete the course successfully.
Where?
Taught sessions will take place in S2. Student/supervisor meetings will take place as arranged by the supervisor.
Can I study this with other additional qualifications?
Due to the demands of homework and the pace at which this is delivered it would not be advisable to undertake this course alongside other schemes or qualifications. However, this is a decision which should be made dependent upon each student. Some students have successfully managed the demands of two programmes, please take into account the demands on a student's time in relation to outside of school activities and sporting commitments. This programme is a prerequisite for participation in the Oxbridge programme.
How can I find out more?
Visit the Warden Park HPQ website which has further information.
Staff Contact
Course Leader: Ms Riis
Contact: ariis@wardenpark.co.uk (alternatove amckenzie@wardenpark.co.uk)