EPQ vs AS Level?

[LustigLustig]

Sixth form application looming. DD’s school require some sort of timetabled “enrichment” in Y12 alongside 3 A levels/BTECs - apparently most people do either Core maths or an EPQ. However, you can instead do an AS level or a year long technical certificate in something more practical.

Dd’s first choice subject (English) has an extended coursework essay anyway, so she doesn’t see the point of doing an EPQ as well.
She doesn’t want to do core maths.

She thinks an AS level is therefore the best choice. BUT her 4th and 5th choice A levels (RE & history) aren’t offered at AS, only A2.

Her other 2 A level choices (French and Spanish) are both offered at AS.

So options are:

1. A level Eng, French, RE, AS Spanish.
2. A level Eng, French, Span + EPQ (in what?)
3. A level Eng, French, Span + AS in maybe sociology, (but not at all keen really)/1 year technical certificate in media/IT/criminology. Dd most interested in criminology, but unsure if she would actually like it.

Is an extra AS a lot of work? Would it be easier to just do an EPQ?

Option 1 is Dd’s preference. I think it looks like a lot of work, so just looking for others experiences - obviously ultimately her choice, but we don’t really know much about EPQ.

She is better at exams than coursework, which maybe makes a difference, and she might well want to do MFL at university, so dropping to AS in one language not ideal!

WWYD?

Option 1 is definitely the easiest most prescribed option, if she’s good at languages and simply learning, then it’s fine.
If she has an interest outside of her academics, such as music or sport, could she do an epq in that? It would potentially keep things more interesting for her, give her more to talk about at interview etc…

Option 2 with an EPQ in an RE/History related topic? If Spanish is her preferred subject, I wouldn't "downgrade" it to an AS.

Her EPQ can be in absolutely anything so she doesn't even need to cover something for her A levels.

However when writing a Personal Statement for a uni place they look for study or supracurricular outside what she has done as part of her A level course.

Therefore if she plans to do English she may want to explore another genre or specific book or even an author she is isn't studying. The research and reading she will do will be excellent content for the (new style) personal statement.

Alternatively if she is looking at doing languages she may want to explore something relating to the literature of one of her languages.

Or it can even be on Love Island!!

Some unis will give dropped grades for am A*/A at EPQ (and some even for a B).

Even if they don't even Oxford says that when considering applications they appreciate the research and effort that is put into one.

The research and referencing etc often helps those in y1 at uni and gives them a headstart with how studying at uni looks like.

I would have thought if she was considering uni, that the EPQ would be the best option.

Interesting that universities value an EPQ higher than an AS, I would have assumed the opposite!

I think perhaps it’s the fact EPQ can be about anything that makes it seem more daunting tbh.

What does she hope to study at uni? EPQ may be an opportunity to demonstrate an interest in a different course unrelated to A level options or a specific field of interest in one of her subjects which she might like to pursue. AS are pretty redundant now.

I'm guessing an EPQ develops different skills whereas an AS is more of the same albeit in a different subject.

I wonder if an EPQ could bring in a 3rd language somehow?

EPQ develops more independent skills such as research, organisation, time management that will be valuable for university. Sometimes universities lower their offer if students have a good EPQ. It also allows students to study something that interests them that they won't do in the normal curriculum.
It's not very common to do AS levels now. Top schools do 3 A Levels and an EPQ.
An EPQ is lot of work but so is an AS level, just in a different way.

Her plans for university are most likely English, maybe with creative writing, or English and French, but French and Spanish is a possibility. Or even starting a new language is not out of the question.

An EPQ relating to a 3rd language is an interesting idea, she might go for that.

If AS and EPQ are the same amount of work, I think she would probably choose the more structured, exam option, so AS.

My DD is applying for English Lit at university - she has learnt a huge number of skills from completing an EPQ in terms of independent working, research skills, academic writing etc, all of which will stand her in good stead at university. She chose to do it in a subject that interested her (social issues related).

The English Lit coursework is not research focused in the same way.

A lot of universities also give a lower offer if you've got an A or above in EPQ.

That said, if your DC is interested in MFL at university, a second language makes a lot of sense.

I’m an EPQ supervisor!

some good ideas for an EPQ in languages here…

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/Project-Qualification/Level-3/2010/Specification/Pearson-Edexcel-Level-3-EPQ-MFL-options.pdf

Ooh. I like self published book of new translation of poems!
Would work well for an English Lit / MFL student.

I’m not sure she is good enough to publish a book of poems! Maybe that is aimed more at bilingual students.
But it is v helpful to look at a list of topics, I will show her later.

@LustigLustig English lit isn’t quite as competitive as it once was due to lack of financial return on the degeee. The IFS has good research on this. MFLs are better due to additional skills learnt.

My DD did 2 MFLs at university which she had A levels in. Most employers are not wanting three. MFL degrees are (mostly) not competitive courses. You don’t need to spread language learning too thinly. If she likes MFL and literature, there’s great uni courses that give wonderful options for literature. Traditional MFL courses are best for this and would utilise her skills. So I would do English plus two languages. This also opens up Law (don't do criminology). DD inverted to law after MFLs.

Epq? It is necessary? Unis do say what they value and do check if the extra work is actually worth it! Are they lowering grades? Some don’t therefore for some unis it won’t be. Oxford, for example, test applicants. The EPQ doesn’t help with the tests. Language acquisition and how you think does. So I would do a bit more research and don’t bother with AS.

Thanks @TizerorFizz , unfortunately she has to do either an EPQ or AS in year 12, the school obviously think they need to keep them occupied somehow!
Of course, she could move schools for 6th form, which she is considering anyway.

Despite being drawn to criminology, I can’t really imagine her as a barrister to be honest, solicitor maybe slightly more so. But I could see her in HR, possibly teaching. Civil Service could be an option, maybe. I think she’d really like to work in publishing, journalism, librarianship, that sort of thing, but it’s hard to tell at 15, there’s still a lot of growing up to do.

I think a combined English + French degree ought to be as good as a straight languages degree, but we will look a bit closer into that. I am a bit nervous about an English or creative writing degree, I agree those seem like less good options for a future career.

(The planned A level is combined English Language and Literature actually, Dd thinks that one sounds more interesting.)

Many high level journalists don’t have degrees in creative writing. Journalism is investigation and frequently research plus often a deep understanding of your subject area. A friend of ours is a young journalist and has a psychology degree. It’s a hugely competitive area if work and open to anyone. Those with connections do better!

There are loads of things you can do with a law degree. Including HR. Mostly - does she like people and problem solving if she might be a solicitor or in HR? I think my anecdote was more about thinking widely about possible careers whilst at uni. Go to careers fairs and see what’s available. Fast track civil service has horrendous odds for getting a job. They publish data. HR is easier and obviously teaching MFLs is going to be much easier to get into. However, DDs friends that have become teachers offer 2 MFLs. Not one. English teachers are easy enough to find. MFL teachers are not. French and Spanish would be perfect for a MFL teacher. They won’t care about uni either!