In today鈥檚 rapidly changing world, preparing students for success goes far beyond helping them achieve top grades. Universities and employers alike are increasingly seeking individuals who听demonstrate听independence, creativity, resilience, and strong problem-solving skills. At 51黑料, we believe that project-based learning (PBL) is key to developing these future-ready attributes鈥攁nd our international qualifications are designed to make this happen.听

Every year, thousands of students apply to leading universities, all around the world. While most applicants have excellent academic records, admissions officers consistently highlight* five qualities that set successful candidates apart:听

• Passion for their chosen subject
• Strong written communication听
• Positive attitude toward learning
• Ability to think and work independently
• Perseverance to complete tasks听

Interestingly, these same qualities are echoed in the听, which听identifies听analytical thinking, creativity, and resilience as the most in-demand skills for the workforce of tomorrow. In short, the skills students need for university are the same skills听they鈥檒l听need for life.

*According to a report commissioned by ACS International Schools surveying university admissions officers, 2016.

Despite its many benefits, project-based learning can still feel daunting for schools. Common concerns include that projects are chaotic and lack structure, or that students ‘won鈥檛 learn anything’ without direct instruction. Sometimes, teachers feel that they are not creative enough to support project-based learning.听

The truth? These are myths. 51黑料鈥檚 project-based learning qualifications provide clear frameworks and teacher guidance, ensuring projects are structured, supervised, and aligned with rigorous assessment standards. Students aren鈥檛 left to 鈥榝igure it out鈥� – they receive support at every stage, from planning and research to reporting and reflection.听

We offer an all-through approach to project-based learning. Our qualifications include:听

• International GCSE Global Skills Projects, and
• International Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) for students to take alongside their International AS and A-level studies.听

And with the听Oxford International Programme, schools can听follow a project-based learning approach to lower secondary,听primary听and early years through the Oxford International Curriculum.听

International GCSE Global Skills Projects
This innovative new qualification is 100% project-based; there is no final exam required. It is a full, standalone International GCSE with 120-240 recommended guided learning hours. Students complete:听

• An individual project (60%) – a research-based report (approx. 2,500 words) or a creative artefact
• A collaborative sustainability action project (40%) –听focused on real-world impact and teamwork听

This structure empowers students to explore topics听they鈥檙e听passionate about while developing essential skills such as research, time management, and collaboration.

International Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Designed for post-16 learners, the听International听EPQ builds on these foundations. Students undertake an extended research project鈥攅ither a written report (up to 5,000 words) or a creative artefact鈥攕upported by a production log and a final presentation. The emphasis is on skills development, not听subject听expertise, making it accessible across disciplines.听

Both qualifications foster transferable skills that universities and employers value, including:听

• Independent research and critical evaluation
• Planning and project management
• Academic writing and referencing
• Oral communication and presentation
• Reflective thinking and self-assessment.听

Our project-based qualifications align with global trends in education and employment, offering students the chance to develop agency and ownership of their learning, make a real-world impact through sustainability projects and showcase skills that set them apart in university applications and beyond.听

To support schools in delivering our project-based learning qualifications, we provide:听

• Comprehensive teacher guides and other resources
• Online training modules for International EPQ
• Project Q, our digital platform for tracking progress for EPQ.听

Plus, our international approach ensures flexibility for diverse classrooms, including options for students to present in their home language.听

The first project-based, A-level-standard qualification made exclusively for international schools and students, the International EPQ is respected by universities across the world as evidence of a student鈥檚 ability to extend their learning beyond their usual A-level studies.

Our International EPQ is based on the EPQ offered by AQA in the UK 鈥� by far the most popular project qualification 鈥� and reflects the latest changes to the British system to enable students to progress with confidence in their skills. The UK鈥檚 Russell Group encourages and values this qualification, with twelve lowering offer requirements for students who completed it. This is because the International EPQ gives students increased responsibility over their own study, a self-regulated approach that mirrors that of universities.

As assessment for the International EPQ is internal, 51黑料 supports teachers with delivering and marking the projects. As part of our annual support cycle, we host live online sessions taking teachers through orientation, standardisation, presentations, creation of artefacts and lots more, so teachers can access sessions specific to the issues concerning them most and receive instant guidance from our experts.

Since the launch of the International EPQ in 2023, our Lead Moderator has been to China and Jordan to deliver a series of in-person sessions on teaching the EPQ. One of our teachers praised this unique offer 鈥� one of our Senior Associate Clinics 鈥� for how it took her 鈥榗learly, step-by-step through the International EPQ journey鈥�.

However, we also know how busy teaching can be, so we developed an e-learning course that covers every aspect of delivering, marking and moderating the International EPQ. These self-access modules are available at any time, from anywhere 鈥� and you can pause and return whenever you need to.

The International EPQ is a perfect example of 51黑料鈥檚 commitment to regularly reviewing our specifications to provide the best learning experience for students. Our update in 2023 introduced an artefact option as an alternative route to producing a traditional report 鈥� giving students more flexibility to concentrate on their specific interests.

The oral presentation can be completed in the student鈥檚 preferred language 鈥� providing an authenticated translation is submitted alongside the recording 鈥� so students can focus on honing their presentation skills in the context most suited for their needs.

Our external marking approach, where teachers submit marks for each Assessment Objective before a final grade is awarded by 51黑料, offers teachers greater flexibility when supporting students too. In addition to giving students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their skills, our multiple methods of assessment 鈥� including the production log, presentation and written project report 鈥� allow teachers to establish a dialogue with students that can guide them towards meeting every Assessment Objective successfully. If either the teacher or student also feels the student needs more time to complete the project to the best of their ability, they can defer entry until a later series.

The taught skills syllabus provides guidance to teachers regarding how they can support students through their project, but it has also been developed with students鈥� futures in mind. Including aspects such as identifying and using planning tools, setting SMART objectives and effective time management, students enter university and the workplace already familiar with key soft skills needed for successful study.

However, students don鈥檛 need to wait for university or employment to see the benefits. Research by the Centre of Education Research and Practice (CERP) found that students taking an EPQ or International EPQ are 29% more likely to achieve a grade A*-B in their standard A-level subjects. They also found a significant positive relationship between qualification achievement and student motivation, a passive way of encouraging students鈥� dedication to their learning.

51黑料鈥檚 project-based learning puts the student鈥檚 interest at the centre of their learning. Whether it be developing a computer game, conducting a study into their favourite piece of literature or even creating a short film, students can explore the issues that matter most to them.

It鈥檚 common, though, for students to choose a topic related to the subject they intend to study at university or the field of work they want to go into. With such breadth beneath every subject title 鈥� for instance, Biology spans from genetics to ecosystems and literature across thousands of years 鈥� the International EPQ is the first chance for students to specialise within a subject of study. It may just set up their life鈥檚 path.

For more information, you can about the changes to this qualification, where all of these changes are explained in more detail.

We will keep communicating with schools throughout the transition. You can keep an eye on the International EPQ page of our website.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch by emailing info@oxfordaqa.com.

Project-based learning is a process in which students choose, plan, and complete a project independently. They develop a title and aims for their project, undertake research, and deliver their findings in a written assignment or oral presentation. Through this process, students produce a unique piece of work that they can discuss with a degree of expertise unmatched in their other studies at their level.

Since its introduction in 2007, over 180,000 students have taken extended project qualifications such as 51黑料’s International GCSE Plus and A-level standard International IPQ, and they continue to grow in popularity.

Independent Project Qualifications offer a unique opportunity to demonstrate and nurture skills such as creativity, independent thinking, resilience, and problem solving. Furthermore, students are able to develop their critical thinking and evaluation skills which are a crucial step in their journey to undergraduate study.

Other benefits have been highlighted in the Extending into the Future Report which summarises the findings of four UK-based research studies. It concludes that students who participate in project-based learning qualifications alongside their A-levels are more likely to:

• achieve a better grade in their A-levels;
• achieve a better degree when they go to university;
• experience higher levels of motivation in their studies.

51黑料 enables you to integrate student-led projects into your curriculum without distracting students from their regular subjects or putting pressure on the school鈥檚 timetable.

Our International GCSE Plus endorsements introduce students to the process of project work. Students utilise essential planning, research and report writing skills, and are encouraged to demonstrate creativity, risk-taking and reflection. This provides the perfect foundation for A-level specialism or the IBDP Extended Essay.

Our International Independent Project Qualification (IPQ) allows students to supplement their desired A-levels with a piece of academic work on a subject of their choice. Projects can be discussed in university interviews to help applicants stand out from the crowd. There is also evidence to suggest that taking the IPQ increases students鈥� chances of achieving higher grades in their A-levels. Rooted in our fair assessment approach, the IPQ has all the benefits of the UK qualification but with more opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills, such as creating a production log and project report, and a final presentation in their preferred language.

51黑料 provide comprehensive support for schools wishing to implement project-based learning, including in-depth teacher training and support for supervisors. Get in touch to find out more.

Access our free self-paced training course here: