OxfordAQA International Independent Project Qualification

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Country
  • International
Purpose

To provide an advanced qualification recognised worldwide which can support progression to higher education internationally.

To provide an opportunity for students to extend their abilities beyond the A level syllabus.

Education context

Has been available for teaching internationally since September 2017.

The qualification is available to students throughout the Middle East, South East Asia and China.

Is not available to schools in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or in British Forces overseas schools.

Is not regulated by Ofqual and does not appear on the Register of Regulated Qualifications.

Awarding organisation
  • Oxford International AQA Examinations
Structure

A single component linear qualification.

Subject areas

The subject content is not prescribed but chosen by the student as it focuses on developing skills.

Levels
  • Level 3

Comparable to Level 3 of the Regulatory Frameworks in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

Grading

The overall qualification is graded on a six point scale A* – E.

Assessment

The International Independent Project Qualification is a single-unit internally assessed qualification.

The student’s project overseen by teacher/supervisor.

The student researches and develops the project proposal, develops the project, submits a 5000 word report and production log and delivers an oral presentation.

The supervisor grades the report.

Assessments are moderated by AQA.

Contribution of assessment components to overall grade

The Project is assigned a grade against criteria.

AO1:

  • Selection of topic, 10%

AO2:

  • Planning, monitoring and developing, 20%

AO3:

  • Demonstration of research skills, 20%

AO4:

  • Analysis and application of research, 20%

AO5:

  • Evaluation of product, process and self, 10%
Resit arrangements

Students may resit an unlimited number of times. Any resit must involve a new title and the full project process.

Guided/notional learning hours notes

120 hours, 30 of which will be taught.

Key issues for UK HE admissions

Providers can expect to receive applications from overseas students holding International Independent Project Qualifications.

Since they are not available in the United Kingdom, HEPs will not receive applications from UK educated students holding International IPQs.

UK NARIC has carried out an independent benchmarking of International IPQ and found it comparable to the standard of UK Level 3 Extended Project Qualification.

Learners use the International IPQ to supplement their A levels and support their application to gain places at universities world-wide including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia and China.

Timing of assessments/results for learners

Assessment:

  • Assessments take place in June and January each year.

Results:

  • Results are issued in August and March.

Certificates are issued in October and May.

Qualification dates notes

The IPQ is available for teaching from September 2017.

Reporting and certification information

Arrangements to be confirmed in future years as entries grow.

Progression information

Students can generally expect that their grades will be accepted as equivalent, grade for grade, to UK Level 3 Extended Project Qualifications by universities worldwide.

The IPQ has been designed to allow students to develop transferable skills which support their aspirations for HE. These include:

  • Developing and improving their own learning as critical, reflective and independent students
  • Developing and applying decision making and problem solving skills
  • Extending their planning, research, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills
  • Developing and applying skills creatively, demonstrating initiative and enterprise
Further information

Oxford International AQA Examinations is a joint venture between AQA and Oxford University Press, a department of the University of Oxford. These qualifications are administered and awarded by AQA, on behalf of Oxford International AQA Examinations, using the same quality control procedures and quality standards applied to the GCE qualifications which AQA operates within the regulated UK market. Further information can be found at: www.oxfordaqaexams.org.uk/subjects/projects/ipq