Table Journal EPQ
Date Work Completed What Went Well/Successes/Problems Skills Learned To do next
Oct 23
2nd Today I had my first I learned what makes up a successful EPQ topic and different ways I can use to I learned the fundamentals of picking List information
EPQ lesson. This narrow down my topic into a question. I now understand the principles of a an appropriate EPQ question via about me to find
introduced me to the good EPQ topic. (Not making the topic too broad that I cannot link back, or not planning. These planning skills that I interests that
EPQ and gave me making a topic too specific because there will not be enough information to have developed are transferrable and could aid the
advice about choosing explore). I learned that producing an EPQ relevant to a desirable university will be vital when producing a formation of an
a topic. course will give me knowledge for the degree and also make me a more dissertation at university or even EPQ topic.
attractive university applicant. Whilst this encouraged me to think about my planning out my Geography/PE
I produced a table hobbies and interests, I could not think of any initial topic EPQ ideas so I will coursework. By improving this skill, I Allocate time for
journal (as seen). need to plan this out soon to channel my thoughts. I was informed of a Zoom can ensure my planning will be of high my EPQ so I am
meeting (10th Oct) regarding EPQ – improving critical thinking and referencing. I quality so my EPQ question is well organised, and I
will join this to improve these skills. By producing a table journal (as seen) I will thought out. I developed my software stay on track.
be able to log down everything I have done during the EPQ process as I have skills by creating a table on Microsoft
been made aware by my EPQ tutor that the journal is worth many marks. Word for my table journal.
3rd I have allocated two Upon signing up for EPQ, I had considered allocating one hour per week for it, Here i have developed my time- Briefly research
hours per week to however after listening to my EPQ tutor during the first lesson, it seemed management skills by allocating time online the 5 key
focus on my EPQ. (See necessary to increase this to two hours a week to ensure I stayed on top of my around my already busy timetable. topics that
planning sheet EPQ work so the final result was not rushed/incomplete. I allocated this time This will be an essential skill for interest me and
03/10/23). using my timetable to find a gap on Wednesday afternoons. This strategy will managing my time in particularly produce a table
ensure work is completed ahead of deadlines and will improve my time- stressful situations, e.g. my exams. to evaluate
I evaluated whether management skills. I will seek to create a timeline to also stay on track with my My software skills have improved by them.
an EPQ alongside A- deadlines. Originally, I was not keen on taking the EPQ because of how much creating a mind map on PowerPoint.
Levels was worthwhile time it would take to complete. Therefore, I listed the pros and cons of My decision-making skills have Research the
(Planning Sheet completing an EPQ and found the benefits far outweighed the negatives. This improved because I made the wise most optimum
03/10/23). reassured me that an EPQ will be worthwhile. Initially, I produced a mind map decision to recreate the mind map so timeline formats.
with pen and paper (see Appendices drafts), however, I did not like the format. that I could use it more efficiently to
I produced a mind I decided to produce the mind map on PowerPoint. This was a success because help pick a topic. My creativity skills
map about me to it was able to contain more content, therefore I will be more useful to help have improved by independently
attempt to narrow form my EPQ topic choice. The hobbies section was most useful because I will listing down my hobbies, interests,
down my EPQ topic be more interested in producing an EPQ on a topic I can associate with. As a next steps, and also creating a mind
choice. (Planning result, I have narrowed down my topic to 5 key areas. The mindmap was an map from scratch.
Sheets 03/10/23). excellent strategy as it has already narrowed down my topic which has made
me feel less overwhelmed about the EPQ.
5th I researched strategies I was already feeling overwhelmed regarding my A levels, therefore as an EPQ My time-management skills have Join the Zoom
to manage my time will take a considerable chunk of time to complete, it was important I found improved via the knowledge I gained meeting by the
, effectively (see skills ways I could manage my time effectively so I have sufficient time for these from my time-management research. University of
source tracker) and qualifications. The strategies I learned (splitting tasks up, prioritising important This skill will be vital for managing my Leeds regarding
listed these on a mind tasks) will help keep me on top of my deadlines. I am proud of my initial time effectively during exam periods EPQ on 10th
map. (Planning sheets timeline since it produces me a strategy of how I will manage my time correctly and other stressful situations. My October – Critical
05/10/23). to complete tasks, whilst being aware of other factors that could potentially time-management skills have further Thinking and
slow my EPQ progress. Therefore I feel more confident and organised that my developed via the creation of my Referencing.
I produced an initial progress will not be slowed down by other factors. However, it was difficult to initial timeline. I will now be more
timeline to ensure I list factors in many months time because I have not planned much that far in aware of factors that could slow my Select the best
will consider my advance. Therefore, when I create my detailed timeline, I should update it progress down, and so hopefully timeline to use
external factors that regularly so that it can adapt and be more flexible around me. This initial minimising this from happening. My and produce a
could affect my EPQ timeline will also assist the production of my more detailed timeline. software skills have improved via the more detailed
progression. (Planning creation of the initial timeline on timeline.
sheets 05/10/23) PowerPoint (used a table).
10th I joined a Zoom Prior to the Zoom meeting, I was unaware of how to reference. From the I have partially learned to reference Read through
Meeting by the meeting, I gained a basic understanding which helped me choose Harvard my work although I will look to exemplar EPQ’s
University of Leeds referencing as it looked the clearest to me. After speaking to a few teachers, develop this skill further. or dissertations
regarding EPQ – they all said they thought Harvard referencing was the best way to reference I learned how to evaluate sources to see how they
Critical Analysis and sources. This confirmed my choice of using Harvard referencing. However, I using the mnemonic CRAAP. This will referenced work
Referencing. (See Draft would like to learn more about referencing as I am not sure when and how to make my evaluation of a higher – to help me
Appendices). use it. Originally, I did not know how to choose reliable sources efficiently, quality and aid the efficiency of my develop this skill.
however, I have now been taught to use the CRAAP evaluating method which research. This will be a key
I considered the will target my evaluation of each source well. I was unaware of Google Scholar, transferrable skill for other
different skills and however now I know that I can use this to search for sources easily. As I often coursework and potential
objectives that I would procrastinate without a plan, I came up with a strategy to analyse the top band dissertations at university where I
like to improve/meet of the EPQ mark scheme, which enables me to reflect on my work with the need to research. My researching
and wrote these down mark scheme to consider how I can improve my work to reach the top band. skills have much improved because I
in a newly produced This will allow me to make informed decisions about my work and improve it can use Google Scholar to narrow
skills development efficiently. One of the key reasons I chose to complete an EPQ was to gain skills down my search results to appropriate
tracker. I evaluated which would aid my career, e.g. university. However, as I was unaware of sources. My planning skills have
why I wanted to learn specific skills I wanted to improve, I first created a Venn diagram which listed developed because I have annotated
these skills. these skills (personal skills on one side, educational skills on the other). I found the mark scheme and so can
the skills that were relevant to both categories were very important skills that I remember what I need to do in my
Additionally, I wanted to improve and therefore I listed these in my source development EPQ to score high marks.
Analysed the mark tracker. I then evaluated why I wanted to develop these skills which has Furthermore, my planning skills have
scheme for the EPQ. essentially set myself a target to improve these skills. Therefore, I will be more improved via the creation of the Venn
Planning Sheets motivated to improve them. I can also use my source development tracker to diagram, which filtered down the skills
(10/10/23). I wrote monitor my skill development and this will aid my evaluation at the end of the I wanted to improve into the most
down my findings in project because I will be easily able to see the skills I improved. important skills I wanted to improve
my skills tracker. during the project.
, 11th I briefly researched, Originally, I had planned to pick five topics to narrow down but in reality, i only I improved my initial researching skills Apply time
analysed, and evaluated four topics. After all, I decided I did not want to consider media as an and evaluation skills when evaluating management
evaluated four topics EPQ topic because I decided it has no relevance in my near future ambitions, my chosen topics. These skills are strategies by
that most interested e.g. a sport/medical career. By evaluating my topics, I recognised that I was beneficial to coursework, where lots breaking up
me, to narrow down most interested in sports since I managed to write down lots of information of researching is required, as well as sport into
my project to a single compared to the other topics. Many of my hobbies are related to sport so I exam questions, and future university subcategories to
topic. I wrote these believe an EPQ in sport is necessary as it will keep me motivated and wanting dissertations. These skills should make narrow EP topic.
down in a table to find lots of research on. As I take A-Level Pe and am interested in a sports- me more efficient in these areas.
(planning sheets based career, an EPQ on a subtopic within sports would be beneficial for Check A level
11/10/23). providing me with knowledge. However, I will need to check the specification Specification to
as I am not sure I could think of a topic to do my EPQ on which was not already avoid completing
covered in my A-level content. I wanted to continue narrowing down my topic an EP in a topic I
however I did not get time to do this today due to the WIFI cutting out. I will have already
have to do this later this week. studied.
15th I researched and listed The narrowing down of topics and evaluation helped me pick Sports science as My researching skills have improved To research five
many subtopics within the best subtopic due to its relevance - most of my current hobbies, my as I am becoming more efficient when areas of sport
sport and explained development as an athlete, A-Level Pe, and potential university courses were searching for the right information, I science that I am
what I could research all related to sports science. Initially when listing the subtopics, I was running have become more creative because I most interested
within these. (Planning out of ideas, and it didn’t really help me progress further to a specific EPQ am thinking of various EPQ topics. My in to narrow
sheets (15/10/23). I topic, so I then zoomed in further and explained why I wanted to focus on mind map presentation skills and down EP to a
then selected one these topics within the EPQ and this helped me evaluate what it is that I want brainstorming/thinking skills have specific area.
which I was most to look at in an EPQ. developed and as a result, my work is
interested in. becoming clearer, which makes it
easier for me to make links between
information which shows me what I
can explore with each topic.
18th To narrow down my I struggled to look for research opportunities for recovery/rehabilitation in I have improved my researching skills Research into
research, I researched sport, because there are so many factual articles and dissertations available because I am considering relevant Sports Injuries
five subtopics within that picking a specific question which has any kind of debate before would be topics only, my analysis of topics and and produce an
sports science in difficult. This demotivated me to pick recovery as a topic but also narrowed evaluation skills have improved by EP question
which I am interested down my options to areas which did have opportunities to research into. This narrowing down the broader topic to
in. I evaluated each ultimately sped up my EPQ question selection process. one smaller area of sports science.
subtopic, which After evaluating each area, I could see that “sports injuries” was the area that I
presented me with my had annotated the most since I find it remarkably interesting. Because I am
EPQ topic. (Planning most interested in this section, I will be motivated to find out lots of
Sheets 18/10/23) information about this topic.
Some topics I was wary may link too closely with my A-Level PE Specification,
I confirmed that I was so I used the specification to check and found that some of the topics I was
Date Work Completed What Went Well/Successes/Problems Skills Learned To do next
Oct 23
2nd Today I had my first I learned what makes up a successful EPQ topic and different ways I can use to I learned the fundamentals of picking List information
EPQ lesson. This narrow down my topic into a question. I now understand the principles of a an appropriate EPQ question via about me to find
introduced me to the good EPQ topic. (Not making the topic too broad that I cannot link back, or not planning. These planning skills that I interests that
EPQ and gave me making a topic too specific because there will not be enough information to have developed are transferrable and could aid the
advice about choosing explore). I learned that producing an EPQ relevant to a desirable university will be vital when producing a formation of an
a topic. course will give me knowledge for the degree and also make me a more dissertation at university or even EPQ topic.
attractive university applicant. Whilst this encouraged me to think about my planning out my Geography/PE
I produced a table hobbies and interests, I could not think of any initial topic EPQ ideas so I will coursework. By improving this skill, I Allocate time for
journal (as seen). need to plan this out soon to channel my thoughts. I was informed of a Zoom can ensure my planning will be of high my EPQ so I am
meeting (10th Oct) regarding EPQ – improving critical thinking and referencing. I quality so my EPQ question is well organised, and I
will join this to improve these skills. By producing a table journal (as seen) I will thought out. I developed my software stay on track.
be able to log down everything I have done during the EPQ process as I have skills by creating a table on Microsoft
been made aware by my EPQ tutor that the journal is worth many marks. Word for my table journal.
3rd I have allocated two Upon signing up for EPQ, I had considered allocating one hour per week for it, Here i have developed my time- Briefly research
hours per week to however after listening to my EPQ tutor during the first lesson, it seemed management skills by allocating time online the 5 key
focus on my EPQ. (See necessary to increase this to two hours a week to ensure I stayed on top of my around my already busy timetable. topics that
planning sheet EPQ work so the final result was not rushed/incomplete. I allocated this time This will be an essential skill for interest me and
03/10/23). using my timetable to find a gap on Wednesday afternoons. This strategy will managing my time in particularly produce a table
ensure work is completed ahead of deadlines and will improve my time- stressful situations, e.g. my exams. to evaluate
I evaluated whether management skills. I will seek to create a timeline to also stay on track with my My software skills have improved by them.
an EPQ alongside A- deadlines. Originally, I was not keen on taking the EPQ because of how much creating a mind map on PowerPoint.
Levels was worthwhile time it would take to complete. Therefore, I listed the pros and cons of My decision-making skills have Research the
(Planning Sheet completing an EPQ and found the benefits far outweighed the negatives. This improved because I made the wise most optimum
03/10/23). reassured me that an EPQ will be worthwhile. Initially, I produced a mind map decision to recreate the mind map so timeline formats.
with pen and paper (see Appendices drafts), however, I did not like the format. that I could use it more efficiently to
I produced a mind I decided to produce the mind map on PowerPoint. This was a success because help pick a topic. My creativity skills
map about me to it was able to contain more content, therefore I will be more useful to help have improved by independently
attempt to narrow form my EPQ topic choice. The hobbies section was most useful because I will listing down my hobbies, interests,
down my EPQ topic be more interested in producing an EPQ on a topic I can associate with. As a next steps, and also creating a mind
choice. (Planning result, I have narrowed down my topic to 5 key areas. The mindmap was an map from scratch.
Sheets 03/10/23). excellent strategy as it has already narrowed down my topic which has made
me feel less overwhelmed about the EPQ.
5th I researched strategies I was already feeling overwhelmed regarding my A levels, therefore as an EPQ My time-management skills have Join the Zoom
to manage my time will take a considerable chunk of time to complete, it was important I found improved via the knowledge I gained meeting by the
, effectively (see skills ways I could manage my time effectively so I have sufficient time for these from my time-management research. University of
source tracker) and qualifications. The strategies I learned (splitting tasks up, prioritising important This skill will be vital for managing my Leeds regarding
listed these on a mind tasks) will help keep me on top of my deadlines. I am proud of my initial time effectively during exam periods EPQ on 10th
map. (Planning sheets timeline since it produces me a strategy of how I will manage my time correctly and other stressful situations. My October – Critical
05/10/23). to complete tasks, whilst being aware of other factors that could potentially time-management skills have further Thinking and
slow my EPQ progress. Therefore I feel more confident and organised that my developed via the creation of my Referencing.
I produced an initial progress will not be slowed down by other factors. However, it was difficult to initial timeline. I will now be more
timeline to ensure I list factors in many months time because I have not planned much that far in aware of factors that could slow my Select the best
will consider my advance. Therefore, when I create my detailed timeline, I should update it progress down, and so hopefully timeline to use
external factors that regularly so that it can adapt and be more flexible around me. This initial minimising this from happening. My and produce a
could affect my EPQ timeline will also assist the production of my more detailed timeline. software skills have improved via the more detailed
progression. (Planning creation of the initial timeline on timeline.
sheets 05/10/23) PowerPoint (used a table).
10th I joined a Zoom Prior to the Zoom meeting, I was unaware of how to reference. From the I have partially learned to reference Read through
Meeting by the meeting, I gained a basic understanding which helped me choose Harvard my work although I will look to exemplar EPQ’s
University of Leeds referencing as it looked the clearest to me. After speaking to a few teachers, develop this skill further. or dissertations
regarding EPQ – they all said they thought Harvard referencing was the best way to reference I learned how to evaluate sources to see how they
Critical Analysis and sources. This confirmed my choice of using Harvard referencing. However, I using the mnemonic CRAAP. This will referenced work
Referencing. (See Draft would like to learn more about referencing as I am not sure when and how to make my evaluation of a higher – to help me
Appendices). use it. Originally, I did not know how to choose reliable sources efficiently, quality and aid the efficiency of my develop this skill.
however, I have now been taught to use the CRAAP evaluating method which research. This will be a key
I considered the will target my evaluation of each source well. I was unaware of Google Scholar, transferrable skill for other
different skills and however now I know that I can use this to search for sources easily. As I often coursework and potential
objectives that I would procrastinate without a plan, I came up with a strategy to analyse the top band dissertations at university where I
like to improve/meet of the EPQ mark scheme, which enables me to reflect on my work with the need to research. My researching
and wrote these down mark scheme to consider how I can improve my work to reach the top band. skills have much improved because I
in a newly produced This will allow me to make informed decisions about my work and improve it can use Google Scholar to narrow
skills development efficiently. One of the key reasons I chose to complete an EPQ was to gain skills down my search results to appropriate
tracker. I evaluated which would aid my career, e.g. university. However, as I was unaware of sources. My planning skills have
why I wanted to learn specific skills I wanted to improve, I first created a Venn diagram which listed developed because I have annotated
these skills. these skills (personal skills on one side, educational skills on the other). I found the mark scheme and so can
the skills that were relevant to both categories were very important skills that I remember what I need to do in my
Additionally, I wanted to improve and therefore I listed these in my source development EPQ to score high marks.
Analysed the mark tracker. I then evaluated why I wanted to develop these skills which has Furthermore, my planning skills have
scheme for the EPQ. essentially set myself a target to improve these skills. Therefore, I will be more improved via the creation of the Venn
Planning Sheets motivated to improve them. I can also use my source development tracker to diagram, which filtered down the skills
(10/10/23). I wrote monitor my skill development and this will aid my evaluation at the end of the I wanted to improve into the most
down my findings in project because I will be easily able to see the skills I improved. important skills I wanted to improve
my skills tracker. during the project.
, 11th I briefly researched, Originally, I had planned to pick five topics to narrow down but in reality, i only I improved my initial researching skills Apply time
analysed, and evaluated four topics. After all, I decided I did not want to consider media as an and evaluation skills when evaluating management
evaluated four topics EPQ topic because I decided it has no relevance in my near future ambitions, my chosen topics. These skills are strategies by
that most interested e.g. a sport/medical career. By evaluating my topics, I recognised that I was beneficial to coursework, where lots breaking up
me, to narrow down most interested in sports since I managed to write down lots of information of researching is required, as well as sport into
my project to a single compared to the other topics. Many of my hobbies are related to sport so I exam questions, and future university subcategories to
topic. I wrote these believe an EPQ in sport is necessary as it will keep me motivated and wanting dissertations. These skills should make narrow EP topic.
down in a table to find lots of research on. As I take A-Level Pe and am interested in a sports- me more efficient in these areas.
(planning sheets based career, an EPQ on a subtopic within sports would be beneficial for Check A level
11/10/23). providing me with knowledge. However, I will need to check the specification Specification to
as I am not sure I could think of a topic to do my EPQ on which was not already avoid completing
covered in my A-level content. I wanted to continue narrowing down my topic an EP in a topic I
however I did not get time to do this today due to the WIFI cutting out. I will have already
have to do this later this week. studied.
15th I researched and listed The narrowing down of topics and evaluation helped me pick Sports science as My researching skills have improved To research five
many subtopics within the best subtopic due to its relevance - most of my current hobbies, my as I am becoming more efficient when areas of sport
sport and explained development as an athlete, A-Level Pe, and potential university courses were searching for the right information, I science that I am
what I could research all related to sports science. Initially when listing the subtopics, I was running have become more creative because I most interested
within these. (Planning out of ideas, and it didn’t really help me progress further to a specific EPQ am thinking of various EPQ topics. My in to narrow
sheets (15/10/23). I topic, so I then zoomed in further and explained why I wanted to focus on mind map presentation skills and down EP to a
then selected one these topics within the EPQ and this helped me evaluate what it is that I want brainstorming/thinking skills have specific area.
which I was most to look at in an EPQ. developed and as a result, my work is
interested in. becoming clearer, which makes it
easier for me to make links between
information which shows me what I
can explore with each topic.
18th To narrow down my I struggled to look for research opportunities for recovery/rehabilitation in I have improved my researching skills Research into
research, I researched sport, because there are so many factual articles and dissertations available because I am considering relevant Sports Injuries
five subtopics within that picking a specific question which has any kind of debate before would be topics only, my analysis of topics and and produce an
sports science in difficult. This demotivated me to pick recovery as a topic but also narrowed evaluation skills have improved by EP question
which I am interested down my options to areas which did have opportunities to research into. This narrowing down the broader topic to
in. I evaluated each ultimately sped up my EPQ question selection process. one smaller area of sports science.
subtopic, which After evaluating each area, I could see that “sports injuries” was the area that I
presented me with my had annotated the most since I find it remarkably interesting. Because I am
EPQ topic. (Planning most interested in this section, I will be motivated to find out lots of
Sheets 18/10/23) information about this topic.
Some topics I was wary may link too closely with my A-Level PE Specification,
I confirmed that I was so I used the specification to check and found that some of the topics I was
