Higher Project Qualification Year 9

HPQ: Building Research Skills for Future Success

The Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) requires students to submit a series of deliverables that showcase their research process and findings. These include:

• A production log, detailing how the student undertook their project, the steps involved, and reflecting on what they would do differently based on their experience.
• A report, which can be either 500 or 2000 words, summarising their research, analysis, and conclusions.
• If students opt for the 500-word report, they must also submit an artefact linked to their research question. The artefact can be any creation that directly connects to the project, such as a model, artwork, or multimedia piece.
• A final presentation, where students present their project, demonstrating their research findings and the skills they’ve developed throughout the process.

These submissions provide a comprehensive overview of the students' research journey, showcasing their ability to manage a project, think critically, and communicate their ideas effectively.

Production Log

The production log is a vital component of the HPQ, allowing students to document their research process and reflect on their experience. It should include:

• Planning stages: Students must outline how they selected their topic, set goals, and developed their research question. This section should also detail the resources they identified, the research methods they planned to use, and the timeline they set for completing the project.
• Approvals: Throughout the process, students must seek and record approval from their supervisor at key stages, such as the initial project idea, the research plan, and the final approach. This ensures that the project remains on track and that the student is following appropriate academic standards.
• Steps involved: The log should track each stage of the project, including research, data collection, analysis, and drafting. Students should note any challenges faced and how they addressed them.
• Reflection: Finally, students should reflect on their journey, highlighting what went well, what they learned, and what they would do differently in the future. This reflection should consider their development of critical thinking, project management skills, and overall learning process.
• The production log not only helps students stay organised but also serves as a record of their academic growth, allowing them to demonstrate how they approached and managed their research project.

The report is a key deliverable for the HPQ, where students summarise their research, analysis, and conclusions.

For students opting for the artefact instead of the report, the artefact should be a tangible creation that links directly to the research question. This could be a model, artwork, multimedia piece, or any other form of representation that aligns with the research. Students will still need to have the necessary research detail in their project to meet the success criteria. For both types of submission this includes:

• A clear introduction outlining the research question, the objectives of the project, and the context of the chosen topic.
• A literature review summarising relevant existing research and theories, explaining how this informed their project.
• A thorough analysis of the findings, demonstrating the connections between the artefact and the research question.
• A conclusion that reflects on the implications of the findings and suggests areas for further study.
• References section.

By combining the artefact with the required research detail, students will demonstrate both their creative and academic abilities, ensuring their project meets the success criteria for the HPQ.

The final presentation is a key part of the HPQ, where students showcase their research findings and the skills they have developed throughout the project. It should include:

• Introduction: Begin with a brief overview of the research question and objectives, setting the context for the project.
• Research process: Provide an overview of how information was gathered, the methods used, and any challenges faced. This highlights their ability to manage an independent research project.
• Findings and analysis: Present the key findings clearly and concisely, explaining the significance of the results and how they answered the research question.
• Conclusion: Summarise the main conclusions of the project, reflecting on the impact of the research and suggesting areas for further study.
• Reflection: Optionally, share insights gained from the research process, highlighting any lessons learned or improvements for future projects.

Following the presentation, there is a question and answer (Q&A) session, where students engage with their audience. They will answer questions, defend their research choices, and discuss the broader implications of their findings. This is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their critical thinking and communication skills, as well as their ability to think on their feet and defend their work.

The presentation and Q&A session offer students the chance to demonstrate their understanding of their topic, the research process, and their ability to communicate their ideas effectively.