Higher Level Individual Project
n recent years an increasing number of our most able students have taken an independent qualification alongside their other GCSEs. The Higher Level Individual Project has been built on a successful pilot and is 100% internally assessed. – there is no external exam.
The Qualification can be taken at two levels: Level 2 Higher - equivalent to ½ GCSE and graded A*-C, or Level 3 Extended- equivalent to ½ GCE A Level and graded A*-E
We feel that by undertaking the project students will develop independent learning skills; improve oral and written communication skills; develop investigative skills; learn how to be a critical thinker and become confident in project management
The topic chosen can either be based on a current interest or area of study or something that the student would like to develop in the future. It can take the form of a written report, a design, a presentation or an artefact.
In completing the project students are asked to produce a proposal form, a logbook and a written outcome of no more than 2,500 words in which they are asked to:
- Choose a topic and write a rationale as to their choice
- Write an action plan and time plan
- Conduct both primary and secondary research – investigate at least 2 related areas
- Analyse their research
- Evaluate the project
These are some of the sample topics for report based projects:
- Has the introduction of organic foods changed the way we shop and eat?
- Explore the use of public transport in your local area – could it be improved?
- Should children be forced to exercise?
- Do food labels affect how people shop?
These are some of the sample topics for ‘artefact’ based projects:
- Design and make a mask for a character in a play or film that is based on an animal or fantasy creature
- Produce a range of coordinated surface pattern designs for use in a ‘themed’ restaurant
- Take an existing everyday object and redesign it to make it more effective, marketable, attractive, fashionable, environmentally friendly, etc
- Design and make the prototype for a mural panel, or piece of public sculpture that commemorates an event from local history
Over the last three years UCC students have enjoyed considerable success with projects such as:
- A set design for Alice in Wonderland
- Why is vintage fashion so popular?
- A café design for community use in a new school
- Are music videos more about product placement than the music?
- Is airbrushing images right or wrong?
- Should sports stars be used for advertising purpose?
- How did Shostakovich’s music reflect the political tensions of the time?
Our students have enjoyed a 100% pass rate with 25% gaining A* grades and a further 41% gaining A grade.