How the EPQ is marked

The EPQ is assessed:

By the supervisor (and then moderated by the EPQ co-ordinator and the exam board)
Once
At the end of the process
Using all available evidence
At the level of A2
Before giving specific marks the supervisor considers:
Whether there is evidence of over 90+ hours of independent and autonomous work
together with 30+ hours of Taught Skills (PRS course)
Whether the work submitted is individual, extended and demonstrates stretch and
challenge
THE MARK-SCHEME
EPQs are marked according to four Assessment Objectives (AOs):
o AO1 - How well the project is managed (10 marks)
o AO2 - How well resources are used (10 marks)
o AO3 - How well the project is developed and realised (20 marks)
o AO4 - How well the student has reflected on the project and their own learning (10
marks)
Each Assessment Objective is divided into several criteria. E.g. AO1 is divided as follows:

AO1: How well the project is managed (10 marks)
Is the topic clearly identified?
Is there clear evidence of appropriate aims and objectives for the proposed
title?
Is there a detailed project plan?
Is there clear evidence of monitoring progress against the objectives?

Each criteria is divided into three bands:
o Top: AO1, AO2 & AO4 7-10 marks, AO3 14-20 marks
o Middle: AO1, AO2 & AO4 4-6 marks, AO3 7-13 marks
o Bottom: AO1, AO2 & AO4 1-3 marks, AO3 1-6 marks
E.g.:
AO1: How well the project is managed (10 marks)
Criteria: Is the topic clearly identified?
o Yes (top)
o Somewhat (middle)
o In a limited way (bottom)

SUPERVISOR ANNOTATIONS
Supervisors must show clearly how the marks have been awarded in relation to the marking
criteria defined in the specification. This annotation will help the moderator to see as precisely as
possible where the supervisor considers that the candidates have met the criteria in the
specification. Work could be annotated by either of the following methods:
Key pieces of evidence flagged throughout the work by annotation
Summative comments on the work, referencing precise sections of the work
OTHER POINTS
Marks for each assessment objective can be gained through each part of the project, i.e.
the log, the essay/artefact, the presentation and any additional information
Most of the criteria can be accessed through the Log
Marks reward evidence, not effort
Lots of marks available for documenting how students respond to changes and challenges
Presentation Q&A can be used to access marks not evidenced elsewhere and MUST be
included
Supervisors can give marks for additional evidence
References and bibliography is important (for AO2)

The full mark-scheme can be found in the AQA EPQ specification (see Extended Projects intranet
pages). It has also been put into several one-page versions by Mr Drummond in the same location.