Extended Project

Here’s what our students have to say…

“You can basically do whatever you want (within reason)! It’s good uni prep as all the work is based around self-assigned tasks and it’s all about taking your own initiative. If you put the effort in then it can be a really fun thing to do – I found the research really fulfilling. The presentation was really scary but it’s helped me improve my public speaking and in the end I was able to create a portfolio that I was actually proud of.” Maisy McAdam.

Read about Maisy’s Extended Project assignment

Qualification Level

50% of an A Level (Level 3)

Duration of programme

1 year

Practical work is usually completed by the end of the spring term (before Easter).

Entry Requirements

Appropriate IT skills and (usually) previous successful experience on a Level 3 programme. Most students undertake this course in their second or third year.

Course Information

There is a taught element at the start of the course which covers project management and relevant study skills, after which learners choose a topic, task and title. The task may be a dissertation, a report or investigation, the production of an artefact or a creative production.

As well as completing the task to the best of their ability, students give a formal presentation on their project and present a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates the skills they have developed in planning, research, decision making, evaluation and review.

Teaching Methods

Students are taught in small groups; in the early stages there is a mixture of discussion and written work. Beyond that, much of the work may be undertaken independently, although students will have regular supervision sessions and opportunities to compare notes and discuss their progress with others in the group.

Assessment Methods

100% by presentation and portfolio

40% of the marks are for completion of the task; 60% of the marks are for recording the journey, including planning, research, review and development, and evaluation of your learning

High marks depend not just on the quality of the work for the task but also the evidence of the progress made during the course.

Progression Opportunities

Extended Project is valued by employers and most universities. Talking or writing effectively about the project provides ‘stand out from the crowd’ material which may improve a personal statement related to a job or university application.

The Level 3 Extended Project is equivalent to half of a full A Level. Under the new UCAS tariff this means that it carries more points than an AS (which will only be 40% of a full A level).

Student timetables at RNC

We recognise that all of our learners are individuals, which is why no two students will have the same timetable. As well as each student’s core area(s) of study, they will have a mixture of ICT Skills, Orientation and Mobility, Independent Living Skills and/or Braille on their timetables, dependent on their individual needs, goals and objectives.