Project qualification

The Project is a brand new qualification designed to provide learners with a range of transferable skills such as planning, research, analysis and evaluation. Learners will work independently to produce a single piece of work. The Project will prepare learners for further education or entry into the workforce. Assessment will be based on how well they plan, manage, complete and review their project.

The Project is available at three levels: Foundation, Higher and Extended. It is a compulsory part of the Diploma, but can also be taken as a stand-alone qualification alongside other courses of study such as GCE, GCSE or BTEC.

The Project, at all levels, is 100% internally assessed and externally moderated. It may be completed over one or two years. 
   

The Project is designed to be taken as a stand-alone qualification, which can be completed by learners alongside other courses of study, such as GCE, GCSE or BTEC. Individual learners have significant input into their topic selection, which can either expand their learning in a current field of study, or can relate to their own personal interests or aspirations.

An assigned teacher-assessor will act as a catalyst and facilitator of the research process and provide support throughout the duration of the Project. They will also deliver a taught element relating to the development of research and project management skills. At the conclusion of the project, assessment is carried out by the teacher-assessor.

The benefit of undertaking the Project in addition to another course of study apply to both students and centres. By completing a Project, students will gain additional UCAS points (see the Level 1, 2 & 3 pages for a full listing of points). Improved results for your students mean an improved result for your school.

The Project is a compulsory component of the Diploma. When taken as a part of the Diploma, the topic chosen by the learner must complement and develop themes and topics related to the Diploma.

If the learner has decided that they would like to change direction in their studies or pursue a different career, the Project topic may relate to this new direction, helping to support progression in terms of future employment or study.
     

The Project qualification aims to meet the diverse interests of learners in a motivating way. Learners will be inspired by the freedom of choice in selecting their Project topic, which can relate to an area of study or an area of wider personal interest. This flexibility and choice ensures a high level of personalisation for each individual learner and may help to inspire disengaged learners.

The Project will also offer learners a new method of study, allowing them to  demonstrate their abilities through the approach they prefer.  There are no exams, so it will appeal to those learners that are better suited to coursework.

At any level of the Project, learners will develop a broad spectrum of skills. With the support of a teacher-assessor, learners will plan, manage, complete and review their Project. During this process, they will develop skills such as independent learning, initiative, project management, planning, research, problem-solving and presentation skills.

For those learners wishing to continue to higher education, the Extended Project will provide a platform to support future learning. It also offers the opportunity for learners to differentiate themselves from their peers and to demonstrate motivation for their intended course of study.
    

Many centres currently offer the Advanced Extension Award, or have used Perspectives on Science or the Award in Religion and Contemporary Society (ARCS) to provide stretch and challenge to their students. AEA is now coming to the end of its life in June 2009, and PoS and ARCS have already come to an end; however, it is very easy to adapt your teaching approach for any of these three qualifications to move easily to the new Extended Project qualification.

Find out more about delivery approaches