Meet the senior Project qualification team

Level 1: Foundation Project - P101

Name: Daxa Parmar MSC
Job title: Principal moderator, Foundation and Higher project
Teaching background:
I have been teaching for fifteen years, and my main subjects are Business and Information Technology.  I am currently a Principle Moderator for three qualifications, one of them being
the Project qualification. I am also a Lead Assessor for the 14-19 Diplomas, including the Project,
in the East Midlands. I have a keen interest in travel and culture.
What attracted you to the Project qualification?
I was mainly attracted to the Project because it has huge potential as an accessible, popular and achievable qualification. I also find the diversity of the topics covered by learners fascinating. In
many ways, the Project empowers learners to pursue and develop personal interests and develop a variety of independent learning and thinking skills.
Why is the Project qualification beneficial to students?
I believe this qualification enables learners to develop their independent learning skills and gives them an opportunity to develop oral and written skills. Most importantly, it allows learners to focus on their own interest, encouraging them to become more motivated and confident.

Level 2: Higher Project - P201
 
Name: Diane Goff
Job title: Chair of Examiners for Foundation/Higher/Extended Project. Principal moderator for Higher project.
Teaching background:
I have taught for over 20 years in the FE sector across a range of GCSE, A level and vocational courses. I have been working in the schools sector for the past six years with managerial responsible for the implementation and quality assurance of a range of vocational courses. I am lead assessor
for a large consortium of schools and colleges. I have worked at principal level for Edexcel since 2000.
What attracted you to the Project qualification?
I piloted the Project at all three levels in my centre and was very impressed with the way in which
the qualification motivated learners across all levels and all curriculum areas. It allows all learners to gain invaluable skills that can be transferred to both employment and university courses. I was very pleased to be invited to contribute to the success of this qualification and help to ensure that it is accessible to all.
Why is the Project qualification beneficial to students?
This is a unique qualification that encourages learners to explore areas of their own interest and, as such, sets the scene for lifelong learning and learner engagement.

Level 3: Extended Project – Dissertation - P301

Name: Dr. John Taylor
Job title: Chief Examiner for Foundation/Higher/Extended Project. Principle moderator for Level 3,
Unit P301, Dissertation
Teaching background:
I have 12 years’ experience in teaching physics and philosophy.
What attracted you to the Project qualification?
I think that the learning model is just right. I really enjoy the opportunity to support students who
want to research and think more deeply without many of the confines of traditional approaches. I led the team that developed the ‘Perspectives on Science’ programme – a prototype Extended Project qualification – so it made sense to keep going!
Why is the Project qualification beneficial to students?
They gain the experience of independent learning within a structured, guided environment. It is a tremendously enjoyable way to learn and valuable for progression to future study or work.

Level 3: Extended Project – Investigation/Field Study - P302

Name: Charles Barclay 
Job title: Principle Moderator, Extended Project Level 3, unit 2, Investigation/Field Study
Teaching background:
I have been teaching physics and astronomy for 20 years.
What attracted you to the Project qualification?
It’s useful as a vehicle for offering astronomy research post-16, and indeed for self-motivated projects in non-curriculum topics, breaking down the subject barriers.
Why is the Project qualification beneficial to students?
Students learn to be self-motivated researchers working beyond the confines of school subjects. They find success and confidence through the motivation of their own interests and ability to present an outcome which plays to their individual learning style.

Level 3: Extended Project – Performance - P303

Name: Helen Turner 
Job title: Principle Moderator, Level 3, Unit P303, Performance
Teaching background:
I have been a drama teacher at a 14-19 school for five years, Head of Performing Arts in an FE college for 10 years, Curriculum Manager in an FE college for three years, and Director of Arts Education Social Enterprise for six years.
What attracted you to the Project qualification?
The scope for vocational and academic learning to come together in a forward-looking qualification.
Why is the Project qualification beneficial to students?
It provides the skill set that will aid progression. Both higher education and employers place high value on the skills the qualification develops.

Level 3: Extended Project – Artefact - P304
 
Name: Moira Turner 
Job title: Principle Moderator, Level 3, Unit P304, Artefact
Teaching background:
With twenty years of teaching experience, I am the specialist Art and Design member of the team, but also a practising artist who uses theatrical sets and film to stage installations and exhibitions. In addition to the Extended Project, I am a Chief Examiner for Principal Learning in the Creative and Media Diploma, and find it useful to have contact with both areas of the qualification. The rest of the time I am a part-time university lecturer, delivering a programme called the Artist Teacher Scheme which supports and encourages teachers to re-engage with their artistic practice. 
What attracted you to the Project qualification?
I was attracted by the diversity of approach to the Project, especially as students are encouraged to move outside of their subject pathways and expand areas of specialist interest.
Although I trained as a fine artist, there have been many opportunities for me to develop skills in other disciplines. I believe that it is essential to have a broad interest in things that are outside of my usual knowledge base, and like the idea that students are encouraged to expand their interests by participation in the Project.
Why is the Project qualification beneficial to students?
The Project gives students the opportunity to develop study skills appropriate to their progression and essential to preparation for a university degree. The ability to present a coherent argument and outcome, based on focused research, is a skill that is also beneficial to those approaching the world of work.

By following the methodology, students are also gaining many of the skills offered by vocational qualifications, including the presentation of research to a targeted audience.