An introductory lesson for GCSE EPQ pupils. The first part of the lesson is focussed on giving information to pupils about the course. The second part is an activity focussed on the August riots in England.

2. OUR OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES DD/MM/YY
Subject Objective
I will learn a little about the EPQ course
by thinking about what it means to be an independent
learner
Subject Objective
I will learn to be objective
by presenting evidence for a variety of opinions that I do
not necessarily agree with

3. EPQ – Extended Project Qualification
In today’s lesson we will:
• Icebreaker: play Human Bingo
• Learn about what EPQ is and what it involves
doing (listening to me )
• Brainstorm what it means to be an
independent learner
• Carry out some research to argue an opinion
or point-of-view
• Present my findings to the group

4. PART ONE: Icebreaker Activity
YOUR TASK
Human Bingo
Each person has a sheet with a grid and in each of the
boxes on the grid is a statement (e.g., went on holiday
abroad during the Summer). Speak to your classmates
and find out which of the squares you could add their
name to, and write their name in one of the boxes
You need one person for each square, and you can only use
each person once.
The object of the game is to fill in each square on your grid
with a person’s name.
TIME FOR THIS ACTIVITY:
15 minutes

5. EPQ – Overview
What is EPQ?
• EPQ stands for Extended Project
Qualification
• It is 100% internally assessed… no
exam!
• Level 2 Higher is equivalent to ½ GCSE
(grades A* - C)

6. EPQ – Overview
Why me?
• Achievers
• Motivated learners
Why EPQ? What’s in it for me?
• More GCSEs (Target: All pupils A-grade)
• Essential skills for A-level subjects
• Baccalaureate qualification in Sixth Form

7. EPQ – Assessment
Learning Outcomes:
What will I be assessed on?
• AO1 Manage: Select, plan and carry out a project applying
skills and methods to achieve objectives.
• AO2 Use resources: Obtain, select and use information, and
select and use resources. Interpret data and apply findings.
• AO3 Develop and realise: Use a range of skills to achieve
planned objectives.
• AO4 Review: Identify and consider project outcomes and own
learning performance. Use communication skills to present
evidence and outcomes.
What does this mean?...

8. EPQ – Tasks
What do I have to do?
• Choose a topic or issue that you are interested in
• Identify a question which has an intended outcome
• Produce a plan to achieve intended outcome
• Keep a reflective log/journal
• Find out more about your topic by doing some research
• Think critically about what you find out and learn about
• Write up your findings in the form of an essay or report
• Share your findings with the class by doing a
presentation

9. EPQ – Stages and Deadlines
What do I have to do?
Project Proposal Form Mid-October
Find out more about your December
topic by doing research
Write up your findings in the February half-term
form of an essay or report
Present your findings to the End-March
class
Keep a reflective log/journal Ongoing
Submit project Mid-April

10. EPQ – Skills
Independent learning
The EPQ qualification requires a high level of independent
learning
• What is an independent learner?
• What does an independent learner look like?
TASK
In groups of four draw/label /annotate the picture of an independent
learner. Include:
• Personal attributes
• Skills and/or competences
• Any other relevant information
TIME FOR THIS ACTIVITY:
5 minutes

11. EPQ – Skills
FEEDBACK: What does an
Independent learner look like?
Someone who has the skills to find out for themselves
Knows where to find information and how to find to it
Self-disciplined Independent Good reading skills
Efficient Good communicator Asks the right questions
Reflective Evaluates Critical thinker
Plans effectively Team-player Flexible Sets goals
Collaborates Organises Creates
TIME FOR THIS ACTIVITY:
5 minutes

12. EPQ – Skills
What skills will I learn?
Develop Develop Learn how to be
independent investigative a critical
learning skills skills thinker
Learn how to be Improve your oral and
a critical written communication
reader skills
Develop
information Become confident in
competence project management

13. OBJECTIVES: Traffic Light Check
Subject Objective
I will learn about what the EPQ is and what it involves
I will consider what it means to be an independent
learner

14. EPQ – Issues

15. EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE
TASK
In groups, discuss a statement which gives a point-
of-view on the riots during August
Groups will feedback and we will discuss your
opinions as a class
You will then go away and look for evidence to
both support and argue against the original
statement
Present your findings to the class

16. EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE
“This wasn't a general uprising, says
Christian Guy, policy director at think tank
the Centre for Social Justice. It was a well co-
ordinated operation, which is likely to have
been led by young people in street
gangs, he believes.”
Discuss in groups of four
Do you agree/disagree? Why?
Who else might be to blame?
TIME FOR THIS ACTIVITY:
10 minutes

17. EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE
Do you agree/disagree? Why?
Who else
might be
to blame?
TIME FOR THIS ACTIVITY:
5 minutes

18. EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE
TASK

19. EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE
GROUP TASK
• Use the internet to research people’s opinions
on what they think caused the riots
• Start with this BBC site http://bbc.in/n5ZnfH
which has links to a number of websites on the
various causes of the riots
• Read the various articles and find out what each
identifies as a cause of the riots
• Make a powerpoint to present to the class the
evidence that you find

20. EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE
GROUP TASK
You powerpoint should include at least eight
(8) causes
• For each cause, find two supporting quotations.
• For each quotation, include the URL for the
website the quote
• After each reason and quotes, present a slide
which gives your opinion on the particular
argument (i.e. do you agree with it? Why?)
• Final slide summing up your view and giving the
cause you believe to be the main cause

21. EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE
PRESENTATION
Supporting Supporting Your
Cause
quote #1 quote #2 response
Your Supporting Supporting Cause #8
response quote #2 quote #1
Summary
conclusion

22. EPQ – AUGUST RIOTS – BEING OBJECTIVE
Who/what caused the riots?
Has your opinion changed?

23. OUR OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES
PLENARY
Subject Objective
I will learn a little about the EPQ course
by thinking about what it means to be an independent
learner
Subject Objective
I will learn to be objective
by presenting evidence for a variety of opinions that I do
not necessarily agree with
Tell the person next to you:
• Three things you are excited about regarding EPQ
• What being objective has helped you find out about