EPQ Secrets: Production Log Series - Planning Review (AQA 2020)

Summary

This video provides detailed guidance on completing the planning review stage of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). It covers how to reflect on your research, set realistic deadlines, and respond to feedback from supervisors. Key steps include evaluating your project’s progress, outlining next steps, and refining your approach based on feedback. The video emphasizes the importance of clear communication, critical reflection, and continuous development throughout the project, ensuring students are well-prepared for the next stages of their EPQ journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Detailed planning is crucial for the success of your EPQ project, and it's important to document it in continuous prose, avoiding bullet points and short sentences.
• 😀 The first stage of the planning review is to outline your next steps in planning, researching, and setting deadlines, ensuring clarity on what resources you’ll use and how you’ll implement any recommendations.
• 😀 It’s important to reflect on your progress, including how well you’ve met deadlines, challenges faced, and how you've adapted your project or title based on your findings.
• 😀 You should also discuss how you're managing your time, the structure of your project, and your strategies for overcoming obstacles.
• 😀 If you’ve created a resource criticism table, paste it directly into your production log so that moderators can see it as part of your planning process, avoiding excessive additional materials.
• 😀 Deadlines should be realistic and achievable, and it’s essential to explain the reasoning behind your chosen deadlines, ideally using the SMART objectives framework.
• 😀 The summary of advice from your supervisor should be written in your own words and reflect on how you’ll use their feedback to accelerate your progress.
• 😀 Feedback from supervisors can vary greatly, but it's essential to act on specific suggestions to improve your project and demonstrate skill development, such as creating a Gantt chart or refining your deadlines.
• 😀 Your supervisor can provide recommendations but cannot over-direct your project, meaning you are responsible for applying strategies and solving problems yourself.
• 😀 After the planning review meeting, focus on how you will implement the feedback and prepare for the next stage, which often involves starting the written report or creating your artifact.

Q & A

What is the first step in the planning review stage of the EPQ process?

The first step is to outline your next steps in planning, researching, and deadlines. You need to set what you intend to do, by when, which resources you will use, and how you plan to implement any recommendations from the center coordinator.

How should you complete the planning review section for your EPQ?

You should complete the planning review in extended, continuous prose. Avoid using bullet points or short sentences. It's important to write clearly, with good spelling and grammar, just as you would in your final written report.

What should you focus on when reflecting on your planning review progress?

Focus on your scheduling, deadlines, what you’ve done so far, what’s gone well, and what hasn’t. Reflect on any adjustments to your project title and future steps, such as starting your written report or creating your artifact.

Why is it important to include a resource criticism table in your production log?

Including a resource criticism table helps you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the resources you've used. It demonstrates your critical awareness and ability to assess the benefits and limitations of your resources.

How can deadlines be effectively set during the planning review stage?

Deadlines should be realistic and attainable. You should explain why you chose certain dates and how they align with the SMART objectives framework. It’s essential to provide a clear thought process behind your deadlines.

What role does feedback from your EPQ supervisor play in the planning review process?

Feedback from your supervisor is crucial. It should be used to help refine your project, guide you in overcoming challenges, and offer suggestions for improvement. It’s important to reflect on this feedback and apply it to your project.

What is the significance of showing continuous development in your time management strategies?

You need to demonstrate that you can consistently apply and develop time management techniques throughout the entire EPQ process. This is crucial for meeting the assessment objectives and for showing that you can manage your project effectively.

What is over-direction, and why is it something to avoid in the EPQ process?

Over-direction occurs when an EPQ supervisor gives too much specific guidance on how to complete the project. Supervisors can suggest strategies, but they cannot tell students exactly what to do. Over-direction may violate regulations and hinder your independent development.

What should you do after attending your planning review meeting?

After the planning review meeting, you should reflect on the feedback received, refine your project approach, and outline how you will address any suggestions. This includes revising deadlines, improving research, or developing a more structured plan for the next steps.

What happens if the center coordinator has concerns about your project?

If the center coordinator has concerns, they may approve your project conditionally, with recommendations for modification. You may need to meet with them again to ensure you've made the necessary changes for your project to continue.