Extended projects can be done on a wide range of exciting topics that can cut across all the subjects a student is studying. The projects can involve making films, music, working models or solving mathematical problems as well as writing essay based investigations or research projects.

Mr Knight said he wanted students to be innovative in the topics they chose and not afraid to use new technology to bring their projects to life.

Universities have welcomed the extended project to be offered as part of A Levels and Diplomas because it gives students the research, critical thinking and evaluation skills they value. The projects are a compulsory part of the Diploma and an optional extra for A Level students and can even be taken as a stand alone qualification. They are worth half an A level.

Examples of a possible extended project are: 

• A report with findings from an investigation or study 
• A dissertation presenting an argument, typically around 5,000 words 
• An artefact, for example a work of art or 3D design model, with written explanation of around 1,500 words 
• A project including a short film, use of internet based media or a piece of music

Some titles from this year�s pilot included: 

• An investigation into whether ASBOs are an effective method of solving antisocial behaviour 
• Effects of global warming on Inuit populations 
• How has life improved for black South Africans since the demise of apartheid? 
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16? 
• What is the best solution to the quantum mechanical measurement problem?

Students might incorporate elements of their other studies. For example, a candidate studying music and German A Levels might write a dissertation on the life and work of a German composer. A student studying the Engineering Diploma might make a working model of a pneumatic swing bridge, with mathematical explanation.

Jim Knight said:

�It�s fantastic to see that the pilots have been a success and that students will be picking up grades for the new extended project alongside their A Levels this week. They give students research and analytical skills and the ability to work independently on large-scale projects, which are useful skills in themselves. They are also what universities look for in their applicants, which is why it is a popular development with Higher Education Institutions. It is also why I ultimately want every school to give their students the chance to undertake an extended project as part of a Diploma, alongside A Levels or as a stand-alone qualification. By giving young people a taste of what independent study is like at university, it helps bridge the gap and raise ambition.�

Janice Kay, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Exeter University, said:

�The Extended Project will allow students to develop their critical reasoning skills, their analytic skills and even their project management skills among others, which is something we really value in universities for the kind of stretch and challenge all universities expect their students to engage with and achieve.'�

Geoff Parks, Director of Admissions at Cambridge University, said

�The potential benefits are enormous. Opportunities to get deeply involved in a subject that interests you, to develop research skills, to pull together different areas of the other subjects you are studying and to develop extended writing skills will all be enormously valuable preparation for going to university. I would strongly encourage students to do an extended project whichever university they want to go to.�

Findings from a research project funded by the DCSF and the 1994 Group published Jan 2008 found that the extended project is widely welcomed in principle and in prospect. A large majority of departmental admissions tutors expect to recognise it as a positive attribute when selecting among applicants with similar levels of achievement (both high fliers and those at the borderline). Tutors also welcomed its potential to enhance study skills, to align with undergraduate modes of study and to provide additional diagnostic evidence when selecting among applicants.�

The extended project is a single, stand-alone piece of work which requires students to use a research plan and work on their own. It is a compulsory part of the Diploma and can be taken alongside A Levels, or as a qualification in itself. It will be worth half an A Level.

Teachers will deliver a taught element including research skills and advise on project management. They will also supervise and support students as they carry out their project. Projects will be marked internally to strict criteria.

From September 2008 sixth formers and college students across the country will be able to do an extended project as part of their programme of study. A successful pilot has already been carried out by AQA and Edexcel exam boards, with 1,432 students from a broad cross-section of schools undertaking a project.