Applications have now closed for 2023/24 school year, with the programme starting in the Summer holidays.
The EPQ in Photography is open, by application, to pupils studying at state schools in Westminster, Ealing, Kensington & Chelsea, Harrow, Camden, Hammersmith & Fulham, Barnet and Brent. All programme fees, as well as travel, gallery visits, materials and equipment costs, are covered by the programme.
All 50 hours of taught sessions are delivered through the programme and led by a qualified secondary school teacher, with support from a teaching assistant and programme mentors. Pupils enjoy an exciting introduction to a range of photography histories, theories and techniques within the safe and inspiring studio space at The Photographers’ Gallery, with stimulating photography exhibitions on adjacent floors.
There is an expectation that those schools already offering an EPQ (not in Photography) will support and monitor participating pupils’ 70 independent learning hours at school.
Please note: there are a limited number of places and applications will be assessed on a first come, first served basis.
Programme dates for which all pupils must be available to attend:
First session introduction day: 14 September 2024
October ½ term session: 27 October – 31 October 2024
Weekend catch up session: 6 December 2024
1/2 term sessions: 15 – 19 February 2025
Weekend catch up session: 6 March 2025
*These sessions will run in person at The Photographers’ Gallery.
There is more information and dates for the programme on the application form and below. If you are a pupil, teacher or parent/guardian with any questions, feel free to email us at epq@tpg.org.uk
What is an EPQ?
An Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a stand-alone qualification enabling pupils studying in Years 12 and 13 to independently undertake an in-depth investigation on a specific subject of their choice. The outcome of this work can be a 5,000-word report or dissertation, or an artwork/artefact with a shorter piece of writing.
An EPQ is highly valued qualification for employment and/or progression to higher education, worth half the UCAS points of an A-Level.
Launched in July 2021, The Photographers' Gallery’s EPQ in Photography is a free programme that supports a group of pupils to attain an EPQ. The programme offers a structured grounding in photography history, theory and techniques through taught lessons, exhibition visits and one-to-one mentoring. Pupils are supported to select a topic and independently develop practical or essay-based work for presentation and assessment.
The programme includes 50 hours of taught sessions. Pupils are required to undertake a further 70 hours of independent research and work within their own time. Taught sessions take place from Monday through Friday, in half day sessions, outside of the school term with occasional weekend sessions. Once pupils have attended their taught sessions and produced their final, independent writing /artwork, they present their work for assessment in order to gain their qualification. The results of their qualification is announced alongside A-Level results, in August.
A short film with more information about the EPQ in Photography at The Photographers' Gallery
It teaches you to be independent and how to use a camera.
EPQ student
This programme is supported by John Lyon's Charity.