Project is an exciting qualification, offered at three levels, that allows students to investigate something that interests them and go on to produce a single piece of work that presents the findings. At levels 1 and 2, students can submit: a report; artefact or design; or a performance. At level 3, this can take the form of any of the following: a dissertation; an investigation; a performance; or an artefact.

The skills this qualification will equip students with such as planning, research, analysis and evaluation will stand them in excellent stead whether they pursue further education, higher education or a career. In fact, in the world of higher education, having a Project qualification differentiates students from their peers and demonstrates motivation for their intended course of study. At levels 1 and 2, Project enhances skills students will need for their GCE studies.

There are a few ways to offer the Project: 

• Firstly, it is available at three levels: foundation, higher and extended.
• It is a compulsory part of the Diploma.
• It can be offered as a stand-alone qualification alongside other courses of study such as GCSE, GCE or BTEC. In fact, it is very complementary when taken alongside other qualifications because it can be used to investigate a topic of interest in much greater depth.

Project is a flexible qualification that can be completed over one or two years. All levels are 100% internally assessed and externally moderated. It is equivalent to half a GCSE or a GCE, depending on level.

Project is perfect as a stand-alone qualification. It gives students the opportunity to expand their learning in a current field of study, or they can explore their own personal interests and aspirations. At all levels you can achieve extra points - SCAAT points at levels 1 and 2 and UCAS points at level 3. This is great for the students and great for your centre.

Assessment is straightforward, too. An assigned teacher-assessor will oversee the Project delivery and students’ research, offering support and mentoring for the duration. 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, which will be based on how well students have managed, used resources, developed and realised, and reviewed their project.

Diploma students already know about the Project because it is a compulsory part of the qualification. The Project title they choose develops and complements themes and topics that relate to their Diploma studies. It is a great way to explore areas in great depth, and develop and demonstrate expertise.

There is flexibility even when the Project is compulsory in that if the student 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.     

Inspiration -
Students 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 student and can help to inspire disengaged learners.

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

Skills -
All levels of Project encourage students to develop a broad spectrum of skills, such as independent learning; initiative; project management; planning; research; problem-solving; and presentation skills. These skills will be used over and over again in the worlds of work and higher education.