HPQ assessment

Assessment objectives

The HPQ is divided into 4 units, each related to one of the 4 assessment objectives (AO). The projects element of Practisiing Science follows a similar structure, guiding students through each unit, and completing the appropriate form, to record their progress.

AO1. Manage

HPQ requirements:

  • choose, plan, and manage a project effectively, selecting a topic, setting clear objectives, and creating a detailed plan
  • complete a proposal form outlining their rationale, milestones, and resources, as well as maintain an activity log to track progress.

What Practising Science does:

  • helps choose a scientific inquiry or engineering project from the set provided which grow out of case studies in the taught element
  • guides students through defining a research question or design specification, and a structured plan, mirroring how scientists and engineers work

AO2. Use Resources

HPR requirements:

  • obtain and apply relevant information, involving sources such as books, articles, and expert interviews

What Practising Science does:

  • focusses on primary data collection, which can get students higher marks
  • guides students through researching ideas, and planning data collection, or testing a prototype for an engineering design project

AO3. Develop and Realise

HPQ requirements:

  • complete their projects according to their plans.
  • present in a coherent and logical way, as a written report or an artefact

What Practising Science does:

  • structures the investigations, encourages students to write the relevant part of the report at each stage, and supports regular progress reviews

AO4. Review

HPQ requirements:

  • evaluate project outcomes and strengths and weaknesses, reflecting on learning and suggesting improvements

What Practising Science does:

  • supports students to critically evaluate their methods, results and limitations of their findings, as they write their report, or evaluate their engineering design

HPQ Grades

The HPQ is graded on students' outputs and the evidnece they submit and will result in:

  • Grade A* - equivalent to a grade 9 at GCSE.
  • Grade A - equivalent to a grade 7.
  • Grade B - corresponds to grades 5 or 6.
  • Grade C - matches grade 4.
  • Grade U - unclassified.

How projects are evaluated

An HPQ project is evaluated on both the product - a write up or artefact -  and the quality of the process students follow, include design choices, research material selection, and idea implementation.

Students provide evidence of these stages through their project report, proposal form and activity log. The teacher assessor marks the work, according to clear marking guidelines set out in the HPQ specification. Project marks are usually submitted to the Awarding Body by their coursework deadline which is IN mid-May, and the Awarding Body may moderate the scores to ensure consistency.

    Assessing a Science-based HPQ

    The HPQ's assessment objectives are particularly well-suited for the science and engineering projects in the Practising Science course. Students will naturally meet all the requirements by following the teaching and projects elements we have designed, plus the focus of science and engineering on primary data often results in higher marks that a secondary research proejct.

    • AO1 focuses on project management skills, aligning with planning and questioning in scientific inquiry.
    • AO2 emphasizes resource use, similar to research and data collection in science.
    • AO3 involves applying skills, mirroring data analysis and interpretation.
    • AO4 requires reviewing outcomes, akin to constructing explanations and engaging in evidence-based arguments in science.

    GCSE grades

    The Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) is graded out of 40 marks, and these are converted into a GCSE grade:

    • A*: 36-40 marks (90-100%)
    • A: 32-35 marks (80-89%)
    • B: 28-31 marks (70-79%)
    • C: 24-27 marks (60-69%)
    • Unclassified: 0-23 marks (0-59%)

    Links to Pearson HPQ website

    Project proposal form which students complete before they start an investigation, part of the submitted evidence

    Project activity log which students complete to record the process of their product, part of the submitted evidence

    Assessment and submission guidance for more details about the evidence students need to provide

    Assessment criteria for information about how to mark students' projects

    Learn more

    Project-Based Science GCSE Course design and benefits

    HPQ  Qualification requirements and assessment

    Teaching Element Scheme of work, pedagogy and resources

    Projects Element Ready-to-go projects in science and engineering

    Launch your course  Support for pilot schools and how to apply