How the EPQ Compares to the IB’s Extended Essay and the Skills Gained from Securing a Perfect Score

We sat down with former CGA Head Student and 2024 Dux, Paige, who is one subject away from completing her A-Levels this year before applying to universities at the end of 2025. Paige completed the A-Levels Standalone Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in 2024 and scored full marks!

Uncover the structure of the EPQ, the skills learnt through it, how it can help with university preparation, and how it compares to the International Baccalaureate (IB)'s Extended Essay - all through the eyes of a top-scoring student.

Can you describe the structure of the EPQ?

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an externally marked qualification, roughly equivalent to studying one Advanced Subsidiary (AS) subject. The EPQ is designed to take around 120 hours. The outcome of everyone’s EPQ looks a little different. Some people choose to produce a physical artifact (like a piece of art or a play) whereas others produce a dissertation. I chose to produce a dissertation. There is a lot of flexibility in how you choose to structure your dissertation; the only compulsory section, I would say, is a bibliography.

Why did you decide to do the EPQ / what appealed to you about the EPQ?

I was interested in learning what it was like to read academic articles, critically evaluate them and be able to come to my own decision on a controversial subject matter. My EPQ coordinator described the EPQ as a chance for the academic leash to be loosened, a chance to pursue learning in an independent way in a topic you are passionate about, and this really intrigued me - I was excited for an additional challenge alongside studying my A Levels subjects.

What topic did you do and how did you decide on it?

My EPQ investigated “Should Direct to Consumer Genetic Testing be banned?”. I became interested in the topic after reading about how the HeLa cell line, which has been of enormous value to scientific research, was created from Henrieta Lacks’ cells without her knowledge or approval. This led me to question how genetic material which we knowingly hand over could be used for nefarious purposes or purposes which we didn’t intend it to be used for.

What did your classes with your EPQ mentor look like?

In the course of an EPQ, you have both an EPQ coordinator, which for me was Mr Yates and an EPQ subject supervisor, which was Mr Kearney who was also my Biology teacher. We had weekly classes with my EPQ coordinator called “taught skills lessons” where we learnt skills like how to formulate a subject title, use references, read academic articles and construct a presentation to showcase our work. With my EPQ subject supervisor, I had the chance to work on specific aspects of my project and get feedback on areas of my thinking I could strengthen or other ideas to consider.

What was your EPQ homework like?

The EPQ is a very self directed project. You aren’t really set homework and are instead responsible for managing your own deadlines. One of the most useful things I did was schedule events called “EPQ Working Time” into my google calendar. Some weeks I would spend closer to ten hours on my project, if I had found some good momentum, whereas other weeks I would only spend one or two. By scheduling my time in such a way, I was able to treat the EPQ just like any other commitment, whether that be school classes or extracurricular pursuits. This allowed me to ensure I was spending enough time on my project per week and continually making progress.

What were some of your biggest challenges with the EPQ / what were some of your biggest wins?

I struggled with always recognising where I could do more - so everything would take longer than expected. I would think I was making progress and getting closer to the end of my EPQ “to do” list but as I would read a new article, or read over my project, I would recognise where I could expand or polish my argument. My biggest win, and ultimate highlight of my EPQ experience, was opening my statement of results and realising I achieved full marks!

As someone who achieved full marks, what tips would you give for incoming EPQ students?

Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. The EPQ provides a unique chance to develop academic maturity particularly by learning to put your ego aside, and ask for help when you need it. There are many resources to help you but you have to be willing to seek them out - whether that is help from your EPQ coordinator or watching YouTube videos of previous EPQ students sharing their learnings.

The other tip is to stay on top of your project on a weekly basis. Set your internal deadlines a couple of weeks before the external deadlines to provide yourself with contingency if you need it. The EPQ is a lot of work and if you don’t chip away at it consistently, you will end up overwhelmed by how much you need to achieve. Last but not least, believe in yourself! Your project, and the insights it harbours, are important too!

What skills do you think you developed in the EPQ that you don't usually develop in a typical subject class?

The biggest skill I learnt was the importance of keeping a logbook. The logbook, I kept a journal on a google doc, is assessed at the end of your project and is really useful throughout the duration of the EPQ. I used the logbook to set goals for the upcoming week and to reflect on whether I met my goals from the previous week. Initially, the EPQ was quite daunting when you come face to face with the sheer enormity of the task you are about to undertake. In our taught skills lessons, I learnt how to structure a project of this length and tools you can use to aid you in this endeavour - like a Gantt chart. An additional skill I learnt that has been very useful in other aspects of my school work, and I see paying particular dividends in my tertiary studies, is how to reference and create a bibliography.

What students do you think should consider taking the EPQ?

The EPQ is perfect for anyone who is passionate about a topic and who feels like delving deeper into it as well as students who are looking for a challenge that is unique and unlike what they may have encountered in any of their school subjects. I think students who want to take on more academic independence will enjoy an EPQ because it is an incredibly self-led project; you have to be organised with your time, willing to ask for feedback and appreciate the journey of intellectual discovery that the EPQ will take you on!

What prerequisites are there for taking an EPQ?

For full-time CGA students, the EPQ is for AS students who have scored a 6 or above in English Language or English Literature at the IGCSE level. For part-time CGA students, the EPQ can be taken as a single subject if you’re in Year 11 (Australia) / Year 12 (New Zealand) and have an ‘A’ or above in your English class from the previous year and receive permission from CGA’s Head of EPQ.

Is there an EPQ exam?

No, the EPQ is assessed through the logbook and the final submitted work.

Do you feel more prepared for university studies both in the style of tertiary work and your course of interest now that you’ve completed an EPQ?

The EPQ has equipped me with a range of skills that I believe will be useful in my university studies. From learning how to formulate a thesis question and strategies to implement when reading academic papers, I am sure the skills I have learnt over the course of my EPQ have set me up for success. Through my EPQ, I was able to learn about the pillars of medical ethics, and how we can better uphold these ideals in an online environment, something that will no doubt be of use in my desire to practice medicine.