A Level EPQ WJEC

This subject is broken down into 17 topics in 2 modules:

  1. Essay 9 topics
  2. Product/Artefact 8 topics
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  • 2
    modules
  • 17
    topics
  • 6,493
    words of revision content
  • 50+
    minutes of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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EPQ

Essay

Choose a topic and title

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Choose a topic and title

Topic and Title Selection

Interest and Passion

  • The starting point for choosing a topic should be personal interest.
  • Choosing a topic you're passionate about will make the essay-writing process more enjoyable and less strenuous.
  • You need to sustain interest in your topic throughout the project; engrossment in the subject matter can be a powerful motivator.

Scope of the Topic

  • You should carefully consider the scope of your topic.
  • An overly broad topic can be daunting and challenging to cover comprehensively.
  • A niche topic might make sourcing relevant information and research difficult.
  • Having a balanced scope that allows for in-depth examination but is not overly narrow nor too vast is key.

Relevance and Usefulness

  • The chosen topic should ideally have some relevance to your future aspirations or current studies.
  • This relevance acts as incentive and ensures that the project will be useful beyond the context of the qualification.
  • This might mean selecting a topic relevant to your intended degree course, or a problem or debate you care deeply about.

Formulating the Title

  • Your essay should have a clear, concise, and engaging title.
  • The title should ideally be posed as a question that the essay will answer, or a challenge that it will address.
  • It should give the reader a clear idea of what your project will explore without being overly complex or vague.

Preliminary Research

  • Conduct some preliminary research to ensure you have enough resources to support your essay.
  • This will give you an idea of the existing viewpoints on your topic, and will also guide you in formulating your essay title.
  • Libraries, academic databases, and the internet are good starting points for this research.
  • This process can also help refine and focus your title if it seems too broad or narrow initially.

Tutor Approval

  • Before settling on your topic and title, you should seek feedback from your project supervisor.
  • They can provide insightful advice on the coherence, scope, and feasibility of your topic.
  • Once approved, your choice of topic and title is final and your project can begin in earnest.

Course material for EPQ, module Essay, topic Choose a topic and title

EPQ

Product/Artefact

Choose a topic

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Choose a topic

Selecting a Topic

  • Starting your EPQ journey involves selecting a unique and interesting topic that would result in producing an artefact/product and an accompanying report.
  • Consider focusing on a topic you are passionate about. Your enthusiasm will shine in your work, improving both the process of creating and the final product.
  • Your topic should lend itself to create a product/artefact. Hence, it needs to be practical and feasible for you to develop within the given time frame.
  • The topic should be complex enough to offer challenges yet allow deep analysis. It should not be straightforward but should require a certain level of problem-solving or innovative thinking.
  • Avoid overly controversial or offensive topics. They could be inappropriate or too sensitive for some people. Ensure your chosen topic respects the ethical guidelines set by WJEC.

Deep Dive into the Topic

  • The scope of your topic should neither be too narrow nor too broad. A broad scope could lead to superficial analysis, while a narrow scope could restrict in-depth study.
  • Ensure that you have enough resources and materials available to study and research your chosen topic deeply. Limited availability of research materials can pose challenges.
  • Make a plan for time management. Developing a product/artefact will involve different stages including brainstorming, research, drafting and refining.
  • Remember, the process followed is equally important as the end result. Keep a thorough account of your decision-making process, critical judgments, and problem-solving methods.

Initial Research

  • Conduct a background check of the selected topic. A good understanding of the field and its history can guide your product development process.
  • Review similar existing products/artefacts related to your chosen topic. Understanding how others have approached it can offer insights and possibly inspire your process.
  • Look up industry experts or academics in your field of interest. You might learn valuable information through video interviews, podcasts, webinars, or articles.

Developing and Refining

  • Document your product development process in great detail. It's crucial for WJEC to understand the reasoning behind your choices.
  • Regularly seek feedback during your product development. Adjustments based on constructive criticism can greatly improve your end product.
  • Time should be allocated for refining and testing your product/artefact. This will ensure you submit a polished final product, showcasing the best of your abilities.

Final Presentations

  • Be able to explain and justify your product/artefact, the choices you made during its development, and its relation to the chosen topic.
  • Your final presentation should come across as professional and finely tuned. Practice and good preparation will increase your confidence and impact.
  • Evaluate your project. Have you achieved what you set out to do? Be ready to discuss any ideas you have for future extensions or areas for improvement based on your experiences.

Remember, an EPQ is a journey of learning, creating, refining and presenting. It’s a showcase of your ability to work independently on a project from conception to finish, while effectively managing time, resources and overcoming challenges. Your chosen topic is the stepping stone for this journey, so make it count.

Course material for EPQ, module Product/Artefact, topic Choose a topic

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