This LRN Extended Project Qualification directs educators to:-
Support students personal aspirations for higher education and employment and to provide these learners with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in the following:-
- Project management and how planning and implementation phases are co-ordinated.
- Planning and carry out independent research in order to be able to select appropriate information and analyse the data resourced.
- Developing and realizing their chosen project; including problem solving, decision making and record keeping.
- Reviewing, evaluating and drawing conclusions of their project.
- Presenting their findings.
The LRN Examination Board’s Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an academic program designed to encourage independent research, critical thinking, and project management skills among high school students (16-19 year old`s). It is specifically committed to providing an introductory experience in project-based learning, particularly for students who have not previously had the opportunity to engage with these type of learning methods.
The EPQ allows learners to explore a chosen topic of personal interest , promoting intellectual curiosity with a hands-on approach to learning. Students are given the freedom to choose their own subject matter, often extending beyond their usual curriculum thus making the EPQ a unique opportunity to develop specialized knowledge while maintaining the rigor and depth needed for a meaningful project exploration. Through the process students will gain essential skills in planning, research, analysis, realisation, evaluation and presentation, which are undoubtedly invaluable for both further studies and future careers. The structure of the LRN EPQ ensures that students will focus on key learning outcomes, which allows for creativity, innovation, critical thinking, exploration and of course fostering a sense of ownership over their learning. The LRN EPQ will help students to become more self-directed and motivated learners, providing a perfect platform for those new to project-based work. The EPQ final outcome culminates in the creation of either a well written academic thesis/dissertation or a substantial research report/paper, or a creative artistic expression, all being complimented with a formal presentation.
Through the LRN EPQ, students will not only deepen their academic expertise but will not only build the skills needed to succeed in university-level studies but beyond in their professional lives. It is an ideal programme for learners seeking their first experience in independent project work, by offering a valuable stepping stone, into a more advanced academic and professional learning environment.
- Learning Resource Network
Project Option 1: Disquisition Project
The Student focuses on the creation of a written document which involves deep research, critical analysis, critical thinking and problem solving. Students are expected to explore a particular topic developing either a coherent argument or the use of extensive creativity and imagination. The project should demonstrate the ability to develop a logical thought process from beginning to end. Students should write in a good academic structured and formal manner.
Project Option 2: Exploration Project
Students will conduct practical research through investigation, field study, experimental work or research topic. The focus is on gathering and analyzing primary data to address a specific research question. Students will apply scientific or investigatory methods to collect evidence and interpret results, demonstrating a hands-on approach to inquiry and problem-solving.
Project Option 3: Artistic Project
Students will explore a creative art and design process through practical, experimentation and artistic development. The focus is on conceptualizing and creating own original works based on specific art and design challenges or themes. Students will apply principles and techniques to develop visual solutions, using various mediums / media and tools to bring their ideas to life. They will also engage in problem solving, realisation, critical reflection and evaluation.
- Level 3
A* to E.
The assessment objectives are based on the key stages of the project process of:-
AO1: Manage, Process and Procedure
Identify, design, plan and manage the chosen project by applying a range of skills, strategies, processes that meet the stated objectives made.
AO2: Investigate, Research and use Resources
Research, obtain, select and organise information from a range of sources, analyse data, apply relevantly and demonstrate understanding of any links, connections and complexities of the chosen topic or theme or investigation / research question.
AO3: Develop and Realisation
Select and use a range of skills, including, where appropriate, new technologies, to solve problems, to make decisions, critical thinking, creatively, innovation and with some flexibly to achieve and deliver planned outcomes that fulfill the requirements of the chosen project.
AO4: Review and Evaluation
Review and evaluate all aspects of the chosen project including evaluating the outcomes and own learning and performance. In addition to this, to be able to select and use a range of communication and media skills to convey and present outcomes and conclusions.
Students may retake this project, but they cannot use their previous work as is; they can either
1. Submit a completely new project
or
2. Modify and enhance the existing project within the same topic and start afresh.
If that's the case, the AO1 and AO2 marks will be locked in, and the enhanced project will only be
reassessed for AO3 and AO4.
120 TQT made up of: 30 hours taught element; 5 hours supervisor meetings; 75 hours independent learning and self-study; 10 hours presentation preparation.
Student entries for the LRN EPQ are available three times a year. These are:-
- January Submission Deadline: January 15
- June Submission Deadline: June 15
- October Submission Deadline: October 15