What is the Level 2 Higher Project Qualification (HPQ)?

The Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) is an Edexcel Level 2 qualification that is roughly equivalent to half a GCSE. Taking part allows students to discover the joys of independent learning, take responsibility for their own study and develop new life and study skills. There is no external exam. The HPQ is internally assessed by a Project Supervisor and moderated by both the Project Co-ordinator and the Exam Board.

​

This qualification has been designed to stretch and challenge students by developing important academic skills required at higher education.  Students will learn essential skills such as: referencing; essay writing; creating a bibliography; creating a presentation, researching and deploying secondary and primary sources.

​

To gain the qualification, students will need to:

​

1. Complete a Project Activity Log – A diary that logs the progress they have made throughout the year.

2. Carry out Research – A collection of sources that relate to their topic.

3. Complete a 2000-2500 word written report.

4. Deliver a short presentation about their Project to a small non-specialist audience.

 

What are the benefits of completing the HPQ?

• It gives students the chance to develop skills of independent learning and provides the opportunity to try something outside or beyond the scope of the main curriculum.

• It encourages self-determination and ownership of a Project.

• Students decide on the title and the form it will take; we provide the tools, teach the skills and help the pupil to create a piece of work which is truly theirs. 

• It is an excellent addition to a student’s academic profile and can demonstrate interest and deeper knowledge in a subject area, which may support an application for Sixth Form, College or an Apprenticeship

• It is also really good stepping stone to the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which reinforces and develops these skills still further.

• It is viewed highly by universities.

​

How long will it take?

Generally, the whole process from start to finish takes about 60 hours.

 

When is the best time to complete the HPQ?

At GroundMark Learning we generally find that when students are academically ready to start their GCSE and/or BTEC studies, they are also ready to start the HPQ.

We would recommend that students complete the HPQ during the year preceding the final year of their GCSE and/or BTEC studies.

This will enable them to focus fully on their GCSEs and/or BTECs in their final year.

GroundMark Learning is required to submit the HPQ in May.

HOWEVER. to give us time to mark and moderate each HPQ we will require students to submit their completed HPQ to us by 15 March.

PROJECTS RECEIVED AFTER THE 15 MARCH DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR SUBMISSION AND WILL BE DEFERRED UNTIL THE NEXT SUBMISSION WINDOW.

We appreciate that students will be starting the HPQ at different times of the year so at their initial meeting the Project Supervisor will advise each student on the most realistic assessment window to target for completion and submission.

 

When do the results come out?

The official results date is on the same day as the GCSE results date. This is usually the third Thursday in August.

​

For further information contact us

​

​

​

​