Supervising maths EPQs: milestones and printable checklists

For EPQ supervisors and coordinators with students doing maths projects. Everything below prints cleanly: use the button or your browser's print.

Print these checklists

Your role (AQA's specification, in our words)

• Agree the working title and proposal, and complete your sections of the log.
• Hold regular reviews, at least: initial ideas, a planning review once the proposal is accepted, a mid-term review and a review of the finished product.
• Confirm the presentation took place and record your questions and the student's answers.
• Confirm the work is the student's own and has not been submitted for another qualification.

Source: AQA 7993 specification ↗. Other boards use different forms; follow yours.

Is this a workable maths proposal?

• The title asks a question that needs evaluation, not description.
• The core maths is understandable by this student in the time available.
• Sources and data exist and the student can get them.
• It is narrow enough for the word count.
• Any data from people is anonymous, consented and safe to collect.
• It is distinct from work assessed in another qualification.

Planning review

• Milestones with dates, ending before the school deadline.
• A first reading list with at least one book or set of lecture notes.
• A plan for how the maths will be checked (by computation, a second source, or you).
• The log is set up and has entries.

Mid-term review

• The research review is drafted, with sources judged for reliability.
• The main maths is under way; the student can explain it to you without notes.
• Changes of plan are recorded with reasons.
• AI or software use so far is acknowledged.

Product review

• The conclusion answers the title.
• Every symbol is defined, every source cited where used.
• Limitations and assumptions are discussed.
• The evaluation covers the process and the student's own learning.
• The presentation is booked, and the student has practised explaining the maths to a non-specialist.

Integrity and AI

AQA's guidance says supervisors must accept only work that is the student's own, and that AI may legitimately be used by supervisors, for example to prepare coaching questions for reviews (AQA AI guidance ↗). Students must acknowledge every AI use; point them to the AI guide.

Share with students

The 93 ideas, the title checker and the timeline planner are free and need no sign-in.

Frequently asked questions

Your EPQ must be your own work. These pages coach: ideas, structure, checklists and planning. Submitting text, proofs, code or analysis written by someone else or by an AI tool as your own is malpractice. How to use help and AI honestly.