One million students. One powerful new qualification. A real edge in university admissions. GEC Academy brings the OxfordAQA International GCSE Global Skills Projects, delivered by 8billionideas, to students across China and Asia.
students targeted across China and Asia over the next decade
written exams. Assessment is entirely project work
projects. OxfordAQA awards a single grade for the qualification
students have taken OxfordAQA’s IEPQ with GEC Academy
Grades open the door. A portfolio a student can defend in person is what gets them noticed by an admissions panel.
Admissions boards see thousands of similar applications every year, many built around exam grades alone. GPAs have been climbing across many school systems for years, which makes a strong set of grades harder to use as a point of difference.
The OxfordAQA International GCSE Global Skills Projects gives students that something else: an Individual Project and a Group Sustainability Action Project they can point to directly.
Two pieces of real project work. Students work at their own pace – the qualification can be completed in a single year, or over a longer period. OxfordAQA – a partnership between Oxford University Press and AQA – awards a single grade for the qualification.
Students choose their own topic and develop it as a written report of around 2,500 words, or as a practical project with a shorter supporting report.
Students work in teams on a real sustainability challenge, then present their findings formally.
Students choose their own Individual Project topic. The Critical Curriculum supports every topic with eight areas of future-ready skills, giving students the thinking they need to make the most of their project.
Rather than two separate qualifications to choose between, GEC Academy and 8billionideas are building one continuous pathway, from International GCSE through to A-level.
A first, formally assessed step into independent research and project work.
Deepens the same skills into a university-facing piece of work.
More advanced, research-based learning, as the partnership develops.
OxfordAQA International GCSE Global Skills Projects → OxfordAQA’s International EPQ → advanced research
Project outputs, a documented research process and a single OxfordAQA grade for the qualification
Coordinated development across China, Asia and the Middle East
No. Assessment is two pieces of real project work, and OxfordAQA awards a single grade for the qualification.
The Individual Project is worth 60% and the Group Sustainability Action Project is worth the remaining 40%. Students work at their own pace – the qualification can be completed in a single year, or over a longer period.
For the Individual Project, a written report of around 2,500 words, or a practical project with a shorter supporting report. For the Group Sustainability Action Project, a team project presented formally.
OxfordAQA – a partnership between Oxford University Press and AQA.
For students progressing toward A-level, OxfordAQA’s International EPQ is the natural Level 3 continuation.
No. GEC Academy and 8billionideas are building one continuous pathway from International GCSE through to A-level.
Typically around 120 hours, including at least 30 hours of guided teaching, before formal OxfordAQA certification.
Research on the UK’s Extended Project Qualification found students who’d completed one progressed to higher education, and achieved top degree outcomes, at higher rates than those who hadn’t (Advancing Access, January 2025).
GEC Academy brings it to students across China and Asia. 8billionideas is bringing OxfordAQA’s International EPQ to schools in the Middle East.
Email 8billionideas at onlineacademy@8billionideas.com.
The Founding Families special price is RMB 2,500 (US$370) for families who enrol by 13 November 2026. It is one fee for the full course, whether completed in one year or longer.
No. The OxfordAQA assessment and certification fee, approximately RMB 680 (US$100), is payable separately on completion.
Families who enrol by 13 November 2026 pay the Founding Families special price for the OxfordAQA International GCSE Global Skills Projects.
For families who enrol by 13 November 2026 – one fee for the full course, whether completed in one year or longer.
The OxfordAQA assessment and certification fee – approximately RMB 680 (US$100) – is payable separately on completion.
If you have any questions or enquiries, please email us at onlineacademy@8billionideas.com
