Lawrence Sheriff School offers Extended Project lessons to all of its students. The school has developed a programme that allows all students from Years 7 to 13 to acquire the skills and knowledge that are required for this qualification.

The Higher Project (Level 2) qualification is equivalent to half a GCSE and encourages students to develop the independent research and analytical skills that are so important in preparing pupils for both further study and the world of work. 

The Extended Project (Level 3) is a demanding qualification, which is equivalent to half an A Level. An A* is equivalent to 28 UCAS points. Many universities see the Extended Project as extremely valuable in developing skills in analytical thinking, independent learning, extended writing and presentation. This is reflected in the lower offers that are sometimes made to students who have done well in their projects.

Outcomes from both Level 2 and 3 projects can include investigations, performances, dissertations or artefacts, but the majority of students at the Lawrence Sheriff complete dissertations.

Years 7 & 8

Course offered: Higher Project (Level 2)

Board: Edexcel

Specification code: ZPJ20

Website:http://www.edexcel.com/quals/project/level1and2/Pages/default.aspx

Textbook: Edexcel Level 1 and 2 Projects: Student Guide (Edexcel Projects) (Project and Extended Project Guides) by Mr John Taylor (Paperback)

Year 7: In Year 7 students have one Project lesson a week which focus on teaching the students the skills that they will need to complete a level 2 Project in year 8. These skills include generic study skills, research skills, speaking and presentation skills.

Year 8: In Year 8 students are timetabled for discrete Project Lessons. These lessons consist of both taught modules and opportunities for independent study, which will lead to the production of a Level 2 Project. Taught modules involve ethical enquiry and thinking and reasoning skills. After the taught modules, students work towards a Level 2 Project Qualification independently.  Over the duration of the year they complete a project that is entered as a half GCSE through Edexcel. 

Year 9: In Year 9 students are timetabled on a rotation for Extended Project.  Lessons aim to develop the pupils’ critical thinking skills, ability to form coherent arguments and evaluate evidence, which will provide them with the confidence that they need to successfully complete a Level 3 Extended Project.

Years 10-13

Course offered: Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project

Board: Edexcel

Specification code: ZPJ30

Website: http://www.edexcel.com/quals/project/level3/Pages/default.aspx

Textbook: Level 3 Extended Project Student Guide (Project and Extended Project Guides) by Mr John Taylor (Paperback)

Year 10 and 11:  In Years 10 and 11 students can opt to take a Level 3 Extended Project qualification and this is completed over the course of the two years.  Their completed project is entered as half an A Level through Edexcel.  Throughout Year 10, students research and write an Extended Project and finesse their completed projects in Year 11 and submit them in the Summer Term.

Years 12 and 13: In Year 12 are able to opt to take a Level 3 Extended Project qualification and this is completed over the course of the year.  Their completed project is entered as an AS Level in the Summer Term through Edexcel.  For those students who haven’t managed to complete their projects in Year 12, it is possible to continue with them and submit their projects at the end of the Autumn Term in Year 13.

Post 16

Sixth Form Prospectus

Student Quotes

Extended Project is…

“…a fantastic opportunity for students to improve their dissertation writing skills, as well as a great way to learn about something that isn't on the school syllabus”

“…a way to learn and discover things you never would've dreamed of finding”

“…a great subject in which students have the freedom to develop their knowledge in a subject of interest whilst gaining a great qualification”

“…a good subject as it teaches us useful research and essay skills which are vital in later life”