Teaching and assessmentTeachers will:

deliver the taught element,including the teaching ofresearch skills and advising onproject managementsupport students in scopingthe project to ensure that theymeet the assessment criteriamonitor student progress toensure that they remain ontarget to complete the projectby the deadlinemark the project.

The following aspects will beassessed:

designing and planning theprojectselecting, organising andusing a range of resourcesanalysing data, applyingfindings and demonstratingunderstanding of any links,connections and complexitiesof the topic selecting and using a range ofskills to take decisionscritically and to achieveplanned outcomesevaluating all aspects of theprojectusing a range ofcommunication skills andmedia to present theoutcomes of the project.

Students will need to provideappropriate evidence that theyhave met the criteria for theseaspects of the project. Some ofthis will be written evidence.

The extended project will bemarked by teachers. Bymonitoring students throughoutthe process and questioningthem on their presentation ofoutcomes, assessors will be ableto authenticate the project asthe work of the student. Schoolsand colleges will have internalstandardisation processes inplace to ensure consistency ofmarking within the centre. Theproject will also be externallymoderated by the awardingbodies, who will check a sampleof marked projects in eachcentre to confirm that themarking is accurate andconsistent across all schools and colleges.

GradingThe extended project is graded,like A levels and AdvancedDiplomas, from A* to E, whereA* is the highest. Achievementthat is insufficient to lead to theaward of a certificate is reportedas unclassified (or U).

Ensuring qualityProtocols will be established forthe provision of advice,guidance, interim reviews andredrafting opportunities.Centres will use the JointCouncil for Qualificationsdocument Instructions forcompleting coursework/portfolios (JCQ 2008) as a guide.Awarding bodies will providetraining sessions for teachers toensure that they have theappropriate skills and are awareof requirements.

Information for higher education

Extended projectChallenging level 3 students

If you would like to know more about the extended project, pleasevisit the QCA website at www.qca.org.uk. QCA has produced thefollowing guidance documents on the extended project:

For managers in schools and collegesGuidance on managing project delivery (QCA/08/3670)

For teachersGuidance on delivering the extended project (QCA/08/3673)

All the above documents are also available in a pack: Guidance onthe foundation, higher and extended projects (QCA/08/3669).

You could also visit the websites of the awarding bodies offering theextended project to obtain information on their specifications.

From September 2008 these are:AQA www.aqa.org.ukEdexcel www.edexcel.org.ukEDI www.ediplc.comOCR www.ocr.org.uk

From September 2009 these will also include:VTCT www.vtct.org.ukWJEC www.wjec.co.uk

You may find the JCQ website helpful: www.jcq.org.uk.

A QCA leaflet on changes to A levels (QCA/08/3738) is also available.

QCA wishes to make itspublications widely accessible. Please contact us if you havespecific accessibilityrequirements.

Qualifications andCurriculum Authority83 PiccadillyLondon W1J 8QA

Telephone: 020 7509 5555Minicom: 020 7509 6546E-mail: info@qca.org.ukwww.qca.org.ukQCA/08/3740

QCA.EP-01:QCA.EP-01 08/08/2008 13:15 Page 2

The extended project will beavailable as a stand-alonequalification. It is a compulsorypart of the Diploma programmebut can also be taken as anoptional part of an A level studyprogramme, and so will providea link between A levels andAdvanced Diplomas.

An extended project isequivalent in size to half an Alevel and equivalent in standardto a full A level. Most awardingbodies will make their firstawards in summer 2009 butsome may make their firstawards in winter 2008/09. It willbe up to individual centres todecide whether to offer it totheir students. However, thegovernment is currentlyconsidering whether tointroduce an entitlement to theextended project in the future.

This leaflet explains the mainfeatures of the extended projectand gives guidance to highereducation on the impact thatthis qualification will have onstudents taking it.

What does an extendedproject involve?The extended project willrequire students to:

devise, design and plan theproject research, critically select,organise and use informationselect and use a range ofresources analyse data, apply findingsand demonstrateunderstanding of any links,connections and complexitiesof the topic select and use a range of skillsto carry out the project andachieve planned outcomes

Information for higher education

The extended project is a new qualification which requiresstudents to produce a single piece of work of their ownchoosing, showing evidence of planning, preparation, researchand autonomous working. It will be offered from September2008. The aim of the project is to strengthen programmes ofstudy for 16- to 19-year-olds while testing a wide range of skills.

evaluate all aspects of theproject, including outcomes inrelation to stated objectivesand their own learning andperformanceselect and use a range ofcommunication skills andmedia to present projectoutcomes and conclusions.

Examples of possible outcomesfor the extended project are:

a designa report with findings from aninvestigation or studya dissertation presenting anargumentan artefact a performance.

Benefits for studentsThe extended project offers opportunities for students to:

make a significant contributionto the choice and design of anextended piece of workdevelop and apply decision-making and problem-solvingskills, initiative and enterpriseextend their planning,research, critical thinking,analytical, synthesis, evaluationand presentation skillsuse their learning experiencesto support their personalaspirations for highereducation and/or careerdevelopment.

The extended project will helpstudents to develop the skills,knowledge and understandingthat they will need when tacklingsimilar projects in the future.

The project will attract UCASpoints equivalent to half an Alevel. Students might use theproject at interview stage forhigher education and/or in theirpersonal statement on theirUCAS form. The project willdevelop important independentlearning and study skills that willimprove the chances of successwhen progressing to highereducation or employment.

Extended project and A levelsA level students may add theextended project to their studyprogramme. Students will beable to carry out a project on atopic of their own choosing,which may or may not be linkedto their A level subjects.

Although it is optional for Alevel students, higher education

institutions may wish toencourage potential applicantsto take the extended projectsince it will develop researchand independent learning skills.They may also wish to supportstudents in carrying out theirproject by, for example, makingresources available to them.

Extended project andAdvanced DiplomasThe extended project is acompulsory constituent part ofthe Advanced Diploma.Advanced Diploma students’project topics must be relevantto principal learning in either orboth of the following ways:

the project topiccomplements and developsthe themes and topics forlearners’ principal learning setout in the relevant line oflearning criteria the project supports learnerprogression.

Extended project timingsThere is flexibility as to whenstudents take the extendedproject. For example, it may bepositioned:

as a culminating activity at theend of a coursein the middle of a studyprogramme for a one-yearcoursetowards the end of the firstyear of a two-year programmerunning over the end of thefirst year and the start of thesecond year of a two-yearprogramme, encouraginglearners to continue workduring the summer breaklinked to timetabled sessions,and other learning activities,throughout a programme.

However, it may be advisablefor students to complete theproject in their second year,since they are more likely toachieve good results at thisstage in the course due to theirincreased maturity and morehighly developed skills. It willalso be helpful for them to aimto complete the project awayfrom submissiondates/examinations for otherassessments. This will allowthem to include informationabout the project in their UCASapplication, as well as avoidingconflicting pressures.

Extended project: challenging level 3 students

QCA.EP-01:QCA.EP-01 08/08/2008 13:15 Page 1

The extended project will beavailable as a stand-alonequalification. It is a compulsorypart of the Diploma programmebut can also be taken as anoptional part of an A level studyprogramme, and so will providea link between A levels andAdvanced Diplomas.

An extended project isequivalent in size to half an Alevel and equivalent in standardto a full A level. Most awardingbodies will make their firstawards in summer 2009 butsome may make their firstawards in winter 2008/09. It willbe up to individual centres todecide whether to offer it totheir students. However, thegovernment is currentlyconsidering whether tointroduce an entitlement to theextended project in the future.

This leaflet explains the mainfeatures of the extended projectand gives guidance to highereducation on the impact thatthis qualification will have onstudents taking it.

What does an extendedproject involve?The extended project willrequire students to:

devise, design and plan theproject research, critically select,organise and use informationselect and use a range ofresources analyse data, apply findingsand demonstrateunderstanding of any links,connections and complexitiesof the topic select and use a range of skillsto carry out the project andachieve planned outcomes

Information for higher education

The extended project is a new qualification which requiresstudents to produce a single piece of work of their ownchoosing, showing evidence of planning, preparation, researchand autonomous working. It will be offered from September2008. The aim of the project is to strengthen programmes ofstudy for 16- to 19-year-olds while testing a wide range of skills.

evaluate all aspects of theproject, including outcomes inrelation to stated objectivesand their own learning andperformanceselect and use a range ofcommunication skills andmedia to present projectoutcomes and conclusions.

Examples of possible outcomesfor the extended project are:

a designa report with findings from aninvestigation or studya dissertation presenting anargumentan artefact a performance.

Benefits for studentsThe extended project offers opportunities for students to:

make a significant contributionto the choice and design of anextended piece of workdevelop and apply decision-making and problem-solvingskills, initiative and enterpriseextend their planning,research, critical thinking,analytical, synthesis, evaluationand presentation skillsuse their learning experiencesto support their personalaspirations for highereducation and/or careerdevelopment.

The extended project will helpstudents to develop the skills,knowledge and understandingthat they will need when tacklingsimilar projects in the future.

The project will attract UCASpoints equivalent to half an Alevel. Students might use theproject at interview stage forhigher education and/or in theirpersonal statement on theirUCAS form. The project willdevelop important independentlearning and study skills that willimprove the chances of successwhen progressing to highereducation or employment.

Extended project and A levelsA level students may add theextended project to their studyprogramme. Students will beable to carry out a project on atopic of their own choosing,which may or may not be linkedto their A level subjects.

Although it is optional for Alevel students, higher education

institutions may wish toencourage potential applicantsto take the extended projectsince it will develop researchand independent learning skills.They may also wish to supportstudents in carrying out theirproject by, for example, makingresources available to them.

Extended project andAdvanced DiplomasThe extended project is acompulsory constituent part ofthe Advanced Diploma.Advanced Diploma students’project topics must be relevantto principal learning in either orboth of the following ways:

the project topiccomplements and developsthe themes and topics forlearners’ principal learning setout in the relevant line oflearning criteria the project supports learnerprogression.

Extended project timingsThere is flexibility as to whenstudents take the extendedproject. For example, it may bepositioned:

as a culminating activity at theend of a coursein the middle of a studyprogramme for a one-yearcoursetowards the end of the firstyear of a two-year programmerunning over the end of thefirst year and the start of thesecond year of a two-yearprogramme, encouraginglearners to continue workduring the summer breaklinked to timetabled sessions,and other learning activities,throughout a programme.

However, it may be advisablefor students to complete theproject in their second year,since they are more likely toachieve good results at thisstage in the course due to theirincreased maturity and morehighly developed skills. It willalso be helpful for them to aimto complete the project awayfrom submissiondates/examinations for otherassessments. This will allowthem to include informationabout the project in their UCASapplication, as well as avoidingconflicting pressures.

Extended project: challenging level 3 students

QCA.EP-01:QCA.EP-01 08/08/2008 13:15 Page 1

The extended project will beavailable as a stand-alonequalification. It is a compulsorypart of the Diploma programmebut can also be taken as anoptional part of an A level studyprogramme, and so will providea link between A levels andAdvanced Diplomas.

An extended project isequivalent in size to half an Alevel and equivalent in standardto a full A level. Most awardingbodies will make their firstawards in summer 2009 butsome may make their firstawards in winter 2008/09. It willbe up to individual centres todecide whether to offer it totheir students. However, thegovernment is currentlyconsidering whether tointroduce an entitlement to theextended project in the future.

This leaflet explains the mainfeatures of the extended projectand gives guidance to highereducation on the impact thatthis qualification will have onstudents taking it.

What does an extendedproject involve?The extended project willrequire students to:

devise, design and plan theproject research, critically select,organise and use informationselect and use a range ofresources analyse data, apply findingsand demonstrateunderstanding of any links,connections and complexitiesof the topic select and use a range of skillsto carry out the project andachieve planned outcomes

Information for higher education

The extended project is a new qualification which requiresstudents to produce a single piece of work of their ownchoosing, showing evidence of planning, preparation, researchand autonomous working. It will be offered from September2008. The aim of the project is to strengthen programmes ofstudy for 16- to 19-year-olds while testing a wide range of skills.

evaluate all aspects of theproject, including outcomes inrelation to stated objectivesand their own learning andperformanceselect and use a range ofcommunication skills andmedia to present projectoutcomes and conclusions.

Examples of possible outcomesfor the extended project are:

a designa report with findings from aninvestigation or studya dissertation presenting anargumentan artefact a performance.

Benefits for studentsThe extended project offers opportunities for students to:

make a significant contributionto the choice and design of anextended piece of workdevelop and apply decision-making and problem-solvingskills, initiative and enterpriseextend their planning,research, critical thinking,analytical, synthesis, evaluationand presentation skillsuse their learning experiencesto support their personalaspirations for highereducation and/or careerdevelopment.

The extended project will helpstudents to develop the skills,knowledge and understandingthat they will need when tacklingsimilar projects in the future.

The project will attract UCASpoints equivalent to half an Alevel. Students might use theproject at interview stage forhigher education and/or in theirpersonal statement on theirUCAS form. The project willdevelop important independentlearning and study skills that willimprove the chances of successwhen progressing to highereducation or employment.

Extended project and A levelsA level students may add theextended project to their studyprogramme. Students will beable to carry out a project on atopic of their own choosing,which may or may not be linkedto their A level subjects.

Although it is optional for Alevel students, higher education

institutions may wish toencourage potential applicantsto take the extended projectsince it will develop researchand independent learning skills.They may also wish to supportstudents in carrying out theirproject by, for example, makingresources available to them.

Extended project andAdvanced DiplomasThe extended project is acompulsory constituent part ofthe Advanced Diploma.Advanced Diploma students’project topics must be relevantto principal learning in either orboth of the following ways:

the project topiccomplements and developsthe themes and topics forlearners’ principal learning setout in the relevant line oflearning criteria the project supports learnerprogression.

Extended project timingsThere is flexibility as to whenstudents take the extendedproject. For example, it may bepositioned:

as a culminating activity at theend of a coursein the middle of a studyprogramme for a one-yearcoursetowards the end of the firstyear of a two-year programmerunning over the end of thefirst year and the start of thesecond year of a two-yearprogramme, encouraginglearners to continue workduring the summer breaklinked to timetabled sessions,and other learning activities,throughout a programme.

However, it may be advisablefor students to complete theproject in their second year,since they are more likely toachieve good results at thisstage in the course due to theirincreased maturity and morehighly developed skills. It willalso be helpful for them to aimto complete the project awayfrom submissiondates/examinations for otherassessments. This will allowthem to include informationabout the project in their UCASapplication, as well as avoidingconflicting pressures.

Extended project: challenging level 3 students

QCA.EP-01:QCA.EP-01 08/08/2008 13:15 Page 1

The extended project will beavailable as a stand-alonequalification. It is a compulsorypart of the Diploma programmebut can also be taken as anoptional part of an A level studyprogramme, and so will providea link between A levels andAdvanced Diplomas.

An extended project isequivalent in size to half an Alevel and equivalent in standardto a full A level. Most awardingbodies will make their firstawards in summer 2009 butsome may make their firstawards in winter 2008/09. It willbe up to individual centres todecide whether to offer it totheir students. However, thegovernment is currentlyconsidering whether tointroduce an entitlement to theextended project in the future.

This leaflet explains the mainfeatures of the extended projectand gives guidance to highereducation on the impact thatthis qualification will have onstudents taking it.

What does an extendedproject involve?The extended project willrequire students to:

devise, design and plan theproject research, critically select,organise and use informationselect and use a range ofresources analyse data, apply findingsand demonstrateunderstanding of any links,connections and complexitiesof the topic select and use a range of skillsto carry out the project andachieve planned outcomes

Information for higher education

The extended project is a new qualification which requiresstudents to produce a single piece of work of their ownchoosing, showing evidence of planning, preparation, researchand autonomous working. It will be offered from September2008. The aim of the project is to strengthen programmes ofstudy for 16- to 19-year-olds while testing a wide range of skills.

evaluate all aspects of theproject, including outcomes inrelation to stated objectivesand their own learning andperformanceselect and use a range ofcommunication skills andmedia to present projectoutcomes and conclusions.

Examples of possible outcomesfor the extended project are:

a designa report with findings from aninvestigation or studya dissertation presenting anargumentan artefact a performance.

Benefits for studentsThe extended project offers opportunities for students to:

make a significant contributionto the choice and design of anextended piece of workdevelop and apply decision-making and problem-solvingskills, initiative and enterpriseextend their planning,research, critical thinking,analytical, synthesis, evaluationand presentation skillsuse their learning experiencesto support their personalaspirations for highereducation and/or careerdevelopment.

The extended project will helpstudents to develop the skills,knowledge and understandingthat they will need when tacklingsimilar projects in the future.

The project will attract UCASpoints equivalent to half an Alevel. Students might use theproject at interview stage forhigher education and/or in theirpersonal statement on theirUCAS form. The project willdevelop important independentlearning and study skills that willimprove the chances of successwhen progressing to highereducation or employment.

Extended project and A levelsA level students may add theextended project to their studyprogramme. Students will beable to carry out a project on atopic of their own choosing,which may or may not be linkedto their A level subjects.

Although it is optional for Alevel students, higher education

institutions may wish toencourage potential applicantsto take the extended projectsince it will develop researchand independent learning skills.They may also wish to supportstudents in carrying out theirproject by, for example, makingresources available to them.

Extended project andAdvanced DiplomasThe extended project is acompulsory constituent part ofthe Advanced Diploma.Advanced Diploma students’project topics must be relevantto principal learning in either orboth of the following ways:

the project topiccomplements and developsthe themes and topics forlearners’ principal learning setout in the relevant line oflearning criteria the project supports learnerprogression.

Extended project timingsThere is flexibility as to whenstudents take the extendedproject. For example, it may bepositioned:

as a culminating activity at theend of a coursein the middle of a studyprogramme for a one-yearcoursetowards the end of the firstyear of a two-year programmerunning over the end of thefirst year and the start of thesecond year of a two-yearprogramme, encouraginglearners to continue workduring the summer breaklinked to timetabled sessions,and other learning activities,throughout a programme.

However, it may be advisablefor students to complete theproject in their second year,since they are more likely toachieve good results at thisstage in the course due to theirincreased maturity and morehighly developed skills. It willalso be helpful for them to aimto complete the project awayfrom submissiondates/examinations for otherassessments. This will allowthem to include informationabout the project in their UCASapplication, as well as avoidingconflicting pressures.

Extended project: challenging level 3 students

QCA.EP-01:QCA.EP-01 08/08/2008 13:15 Page 1

Teaching and assessmentTeachers will:

deliver the taught element,including the teaching ofresearch skills and advising onproject managementsupport students in scopingthe project to ensure that theymeet the assessment criteriamonitor student progress toensure that they remain ontarget to complete the projectby the deadlinemark the project.

The following aspects will beassessed:

designing and planning theprojectselecting, organising andusing a range of resourcesanalysing data, applyingfindings and demonstratingunderstanding of any links,connections and complexitiesof the topic selecting and using a range ofskills to take decisionscritically and to achieveplanned outcomesevaluating all aspects of theprojectusing a range ofcommunication skills andmedia to present theoutcomes of the project.

Students will need to provideappropriate evidence that theyhave met the criteria for theseaspects of the project. Some ofthis will be written evidence.

The extended project will bemarked by teachers. Bymonitoring students throughoutthe process and questioningthem on their presentation ofoutcomes, assessors will be ableto authenticate the project asthe work of the student. Schoolsand colleges will have internalstandardisation processes inplace to ensure consistency ofmarking within the centre. Theproject will also be externallymoderated by the awardingbodies, who will check a sampleof marked projects in eachcentre to confirm that themarking is accurate andconsistent across all schools and colleges.

GradingThe extended project is graded,like A levels and AdvancedDiplomas, from A* to E, whereA* is the highest. Achievementthat is insufficient to lead to theaward of a certificate is reportedas unclassified (or U).

Ensuring qualityProtocols will be established forthe provision of advice,guidance, interim reviews andredrafting opportunities.Centres will use the JointCouncil for Qualificationsdocument Instructions forcompleting coursework/portfolios (JCQ 2008) as a guide.Awarding bodies will providetraining sessions for teachers toensure that they have theappropriate skills and are awareof requirements.

Information for higher education

Extended projectChallenging level 3 students

If you would like to know more about the extended project, pleasevisit the QCA website at www.qca.org.uk. QCA has produced thefollowing guidance documents on the extended project:

For managers in schools and collegesGuidance on managing project delivery (QCA/08/3670)

For teachersGuidance on delivering the extended project (QCA/08/3673)

All the above documents are also available in a pack: Guidance onthe foundation, higher and extended projects (QCA/08/3669).

You could also visit the websites of the awarding bodies offering theextended project to obtain information on their specifications.

From September 2008 these are:AQA www.aqa.org.ukEdexcel www.edexcel.org.ukEDI www.ediplc.comOCR www.ocr.org.uk

From September 2009 these will also include:VTCT www.vtct.org.ukWJEC www.wjec.co.uk

You may find the JCQ website helpful: www.jcq.org.uk.

A QCA leaflet on changes to A levels (QCA/08/3738) is also available.

QCA wishes to make itspublications widely accessible. Please contact us if you havespecific accessibilityrequirements.

Qualifications andCurriculum Authority83 PiccadillyLondon W1J 8QA

Telephone: 020 7509 5555Minicom: 020 7509 6546E-mail: info@qca.org.ukwww.qca.org.ukQCA/08/3740

QCA.EP-01:QCA.EP-01 08/08/2008 13:15 Page 2

Teaching and assessmentTeachers will:

deliver the taught element,including the teaching ofresearch skills and advising onproject managementsupport students in scopingthe project to ensure that theymeet the assessment criteriamonitor student progress toensure that they remain ontarget to complete the projectby the deadlinemark the project.

The following aspects will beassessed:

designing and planning theprojectselecting, organising andusing a range of resourcesanalysing data, applyingfindings and demonstratingunderstanding of any links,connections and complexitiesof the topic selecting and using a range ofskills to take decisionscritically and to achieveplanned outcomesevaluating all aspects of theprojectusing a range ofcommunication skills andmedia to present theoutcomes of the project.

Students will need to provideappropriate evidence that theyhave met the criteria for theseaspects of the project. Some ofthis will be written evidence.

The extended project will bemarked by teachers. Bymonitoring students throughoutthe process and questioningthem on their presentation ofoutcomes, assessors will be ableto authenticate the project asthe work of the student. Schoolsand colleges will have internalstandardisation processes inplace to ensure consistency ofmarking within the centre. Theproject will also be externallymoderated by the awardingbodies, who will check a sampleof marked projects in eachcentre to confirm that themarking is accurate andconsistent across all schools and colleges.

GradingThe extended project is graded,like A levels and AdvancedDiplomas, from A* to E, whereA* is the highest. Achievementthat is insufficient to lead to theaward of a certificate is reportedas unclassified (or U).

Ensuring qualityProtocols will be established forthe provision of advice,guidance, interim reviews andredrafting opportunities.Centres will use the JointCouncil for Qualificationsdocument Instructions forcompleting coursework/portfolios (JCQ 2008) as a guide.Awarding bodies will providetraining sessions for teachers toensure that they have theappropriate skills and are awareof requirements.

Information for higher education

Extended projectChallenging level 3 students

If you would like to know more about the extended project, pleasevisit the QCA website at www.qca.org.uk. QCA has produced thefollowing guidance documents on the extended project:

For managers in schools and collegesGuidance on managing project delivery (QCA/08/3670)

For teachersGuidance on delivering the extended project (QCA/08/3673)

All the above documents are also available in a pack: Guidance onthe foundation, higher and extended projects (QCA/08/3669).

You could also visit the websites of the awarding bodies offering theextended project to obtain information on their specifications.

From September 2008 these are:AQA www.aqa.org.ukEdexcel www.edexcel.org.ukEDI www.ediplc.comOCR www.ocr.org.uk

From September 2009 these will also include:VTCT www.vtct.org.ukWJEC www.wjec.co.uk

You may find the JCQ website helpful: www.jcq.org.uk.

A QCA leaflet on changes to A levels (QCA/08/3738) is also available.

QCA wishes to make itspublications widely accessible. Please contact us if you havespecific accessibilityrequirements.

Qualifications andCurriculum Authority83 PiccadillyLondon W1J 8QA

Telephone: 020 7509 5555Minicom: 020 7509 6546E-mail: info@qca.org.ukwww.qca.org.ukQCA/08/3740

QCA.EP-01:QCA.EP-01 08/08/2008 13:15 Page 2

Teaching and assessmentTeachers will:

deliver the taught element,including the teaching ofresearch skills and advising onproject managementsupport students in scopingthe project to ensure that theymeet the assessment criteriamonitor student progress toensure that they remain ontarget to complete the projectby the deadlinemark the project.

The following aspects will beassessed:

designing and planning theprojectselecting, organising andusing a range of resourcesanalysing data, applyingfindings and demonstratingunderstanding of any links,connections and complexitiesof the topic selecting and using a range ofskills to take decisionscritically and to achieveplanned outcomesevaluating all aspects of theprojectusing a range ofcommunication skills andmedia to present theoutcomes of the project.

Students will need to provideappropriate evidence that theyhave met the criteria for theseaspects of the project. Some ofthis will be written evidence.

The extended project will bemarked by teachers. Bymonitoring students throughoutthe process and questioningthem on their presentation ofoutcomes, assessors will be ableto authenticate the project asthe work of the student. Schoolsand colleges will have internalstandardisation processes inplace to ensure consistency ofmarking within the centre. Theproject will also be externallymoderated by the awardingbodies, who will check a sampleof marked projects in eachcentre to confirm that themarking is accurate andconsistent across all schools and colleges.

GradingThe extended project is graded,like A levels and AdvancedDiplomas, from A* to E, whereA* is the highest. Achievementthat is insufficient to lead to theaward of a certificate is reportedas unclassified (or U).

Ensuring qualityProtocols will be established forthe provision of advice,guidance, interim reviews andredrafting opportunities.Centres will use the JointCouncil for Qualificationsdocument Instructions forcompleting coursework/portfolios (JCQ 2008) as a guide.Awarding bodies will providetraining sessions for teachers toensure that they have theappropriate skills and are awareof requirements.

Information for higher education

Extended projectChallenging level 3 students

If you would like to know more about the extended project, pleasevisit the QCA website at www.qca.org.uk. QCA has produced thefollowing guidance documents on the extended project:

For managers in schools and collegesGuidance on managing project delivery (QCA/08/3670)

For teachersGuidance on delivering the extended project (QCA/08/3673)

All the above documents are also available in a pack: Guidance onthe foundation, higher and extended projects (QCA/08/3669).

You could also visit the websites of the awarding bodies offering theextended project to obtain information on their specifications.

From September 2008 these are:AQA www.aqa.org.ukEdexcel www.edexcel.org.ukEDI www.ediplc.comOCR www.ocr.org.uk

From September 2009 these will also include:VTCT www.vtct.org.ukWJEC www.wjec.co.uk

You may find the JCQ website helpful: www.jcq.org.uk.

A QCA leaflet on changes to A levels (QCA/08/3738) is also available.

QCA wishes to make itspublications widely accessible. Please contact us if you havespecific accessibilityrequirements.

Qualifications andCurriculum Authority83 PiccadillyLondon W1J 8QA

Telephone: 020 7509 5555Minicom: 020 7509 6546E-mail: info@qca.org.ukwww.qca.org.ukQCA/08/3740

QCA.EP-01:QCA.EP-01 08/08/2008 13:15 Page 2