The Level 1 Foundation Project Qualification (FPQ), and Level 2 Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), are recognised within the broad suite of qualifications available to UK school students, that include GCSE and BTEC qualifications.

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An FPQ or HPQ has the following identifiable features:

  1. It can be equated to half the size of a GCSE qualification.
  2. It has recommended guided learning hours (GLHs) to be completed by the student.
  3. It follows a project-based learning approach, comparable to GCSE or BTEC none examined assessment (NEA).
  4. It delivers an identifiable set of skills, set out in four Assessment Objectives (AOs).
  5. It includes a required allocation of taught hours and independent learning.
  6. The focus of the assessed project is at the discretion of the student, but the overarching area of focus can be set by an adult.

Alternative & Additional provision

For students unable to complete a typical GCSE or BTEC qualification, due to varying factors including that qualifications’ level of challenge, the scale and breadth of expected study, how much time a student is in school, or the capability of the student at age 15-16 years, a project qualification can be a suitable alternative or additional qualification that provide benefit to both progression and personal development.

Not only can a project qualification provide the student with a recognisable qualification as evidence for progression to further or higher education and employment (for all the identifiable reasons listed above), PQs develop identifiable skills which are transferable to other qualifications, or create a stepping stone for students unable to complete a full GCSE or BTEC equivalent.

Examples of alternative/additional provision models include (but not limited to):

  • Home schooled/educated students who wish to return to mainstream education with the aid of recognisable qualifications (including emotionally based school avoidance seeking accredited outcomes).
  • Students who are unable to complete a specific 2 year GCSE/BTEC course through their centre, and are seeking to complete a related qualification that is scaled down from a full GCSE/BTEC qualification.
  • A group of students who are unable to complete the 2nd year of a 2 year GCSE/BTEC qualification, and wish to gain a formal qualification to accredit the learning completed in the 1st year of the course.
  • 6th form students who require additional evidence of specific subject study, but were unable to complete a GCSE/BTEC qualification in that subject.
  • Linking a project qualification to existing education provision, for example relationship and sexual education, providing motivation and formal accreditation.
  • The use of a project qualification to structure a contemporary school focus (e.g. sustainability, mental health, etc)
The benefits of PQs over full GCSE or BTEC qualifications
How to use a project qualification for alternative and additional provision

 

If you believe you have an interesting model for the use of a project qualification, please connect to our team, who would be keen to discuss creating a case study and sharing adapted and additional approach models to share with other providers. This includes centres who are based in the UK and Internationally.