The Extended Project

The Extended Project is a distinctive and highly regarded qualification, designed to develop a range of transferable skills such as planning, research, analysis and evaluation. This course consists of a taught element, which includes an introduction to research methods and evaluation skills, as well as learning how to give a good spoken presentation, together with the actual completion of the Project.

Course Content

This is a subject where you, the student, are in full control. There is no external exam, since you are assessed on the project you have chosen. Marks are awarded for planning and organisation (including time management), use of resources, the development and realization of the actual project and your critical review of the whole process.

You will select a topic for your project with the help and guidance of your Extended Project supervisor. Your chosen topic may well reflect an area of personal interest, a subject you would like to research and learn more about, or the course you plan to apply for at university.

You will work independently to produce a single piece of work, which will be internally assessed and externally moderated based on how well the project is planned, managed, completed and reviewed. Projects can be dissertations, artefacts, investigations or performances. Last year completed works included dissertations on a variety of philosophical, ethical and moral subjects, artefacts, artworks, costume and dress design, computer games, books, fashion, photography, films and animations, musical compositions and a range of other performances.

The project allows you to go deeper into a topic studied in one of your A Level subjects, to link various subjects together or to produce academic work based on your personal interests or hobby.

Previous Projects

Last year completed works included dissertations on a variety of philosophical, ethical and moral subjects, artefacts, artworks, costume and dress design, computer games, books, fashion, photography, films and animations, musical compositions and a range of other performances.

All your project activities will be completed before the Easter Holidays so that you have plenty of time to concentrate on revision for your exams in June. Last year completed works included dissertations on a variety of philosophical, ethical and moral subjects, artefacts, artworks, costume and dress design, computer games, books, fashion, photography, films and animations, musical compositions and a range of other performances.

Higher Education

It offers the opportunity to differentiate yourself from other students and to demonstrate motivation for the degree course you have chosen to apply for.

Leading Universities are highly appreciative of the Extended Project and encourage students to take it.

Life After Henley

For those wishing to continue on to higher education, the Extended Project will provide a strong platform to support future learning. It also offers the opportunity to differentiate yourself from other students and to demonstrate motivation for the degree course you have chosen to apply for.

Leading universities are highly appreciative of the Extended Project and encourage students to take it with some of them even lowering entry requirements for those predicted A/A* in their Extended Project.

Students are required to complete at least 30 hours of enrichment per academic year whilst studying at The Henley College, learn more about Enrichment here.

Learn more about our application process here.