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GCSEs

Why choose to study GCSEs at Earlscliffe?

GCSE qualifications are widely recognised by universities and employers around the world.

The GCSE curriculum encourages critical thinking, problem-solving and in-depth knowledge, making it an ideal pathway for further education in the UK, including A-Levels or the IB.

The One Year GCSE programme enables students to focus on GCSE subjects that prepare them for their intended A-level subjects and further university studies.

All students study Cambridge Assessment English or IGCSE English (First Language) and GCSE Mathematics and take examinations in these subjects.

All students have non-examined Sport as well as Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons within their timetables.

In addition to the above, students choose one of the additional GCSE combinations:

A	Target	Architecture, Engineering (Civil / Mechanical / Electrical)
A	Subjects	English	Maths	Physics	Chemistry	Art

B	Target	Fashion, Design, Art, Digital Media
B	Subjects	English	Maths	Art	Business	Modern Foreign Language*

C	Target	Business, Management
C	Subjects	English	Maths	Business	Geography	Modern Foreign Language*

D	Target	Law, International Relations, Economics, Politics
D	Subjects	English	Maths	Geography	History	Modern Foreign Language*

E	Target	Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering.
E	Subjects	English	Maths	Biology	Chemistry	Physics

*The equivalent of a native level language proficiency is required.

GCSE programmes comprise:

Small groups
English plus academic subjects
Designed for international students
UK Year 11 equivalent for ages 15+
English language development
Physical education
Personal, social and health education
Academic enrichment opportunities on a Wednesday afternoon and after school

(UK National Curriculum: key stage 4 )

GCSE “taster” course

A limited number of places are available for students wishing to spend 2 weeks to 6 months with us.

This is a great option for students wanting to improve their English and their academic confidence. This can be a particularly beneficial experience, as it helps to prepare the student ahead of the following academic year.

Our pre-sessional courses are now referred to as Study Abroad.

Small class sizes and intensive teaching

Even in the most popular subjects we insist on small classes. The reason for having small classes is very simple. The greater the amount of individual attention that the student receives, the greater the chances are that the student will achieve better grades. In a small class, teachers are able to get to know the students. Everybody is given the opportunity to contribute. In addition, small classes create safe environments in which students are more willing to participate and ask questions.

Class sizes average at around 7 students. This means some subject choices have classes which only have 3 students and others are above average due to their popularity. When a class reaches a maximum of 12-13 students we will look to open a new class for that subject.

In our rigorous and well-structured lessons, meaningful and positive relationships are built, a determined work ethic is created and each student achieves their full potential.

English language support

EAP (English for Academic Purposes) is a fundamental part of our school. The individual English language needs of each student are taken into account by their teacher and lessons are planned accordingly.

Our teachers are very experienced with EAP and they employ a wide range of methods to help support the development of the students’ English language skills.

The specifics of the support will depend very much on each students’ needs and the course they are doing. For example, GCSE students may have to read works of fiction and produce book reports, whereas A-level students will have to learn subject-specific terminology, in context, and take part in frequent vocabulary tests.

To find out more about teaching English at Earlscliffe please click here

Homework

Homework is completed in the evenings and at weekends. Students are allocated at least two hours each evening as quiet study time in their rooms, which is supervised by their House Managers. While many students do less homework on Saturdays, almost all students use Sundays to do some serious, extended study in their own time.

Sample Timetable

		MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY

0830 – 0900		Group Tutor
0900 – 0945	P1	English	English	Maths	Computer Science	English
0945 – 1030	P2	English	English	Maths	Computer Science	English
1030 – 1045		Break
1045 – 1130	P3	Maths	Maths	English	English	Combined Science
1130 – 1215	P4	Maths	Maths	English	English	Combined Science
1215 – 1300	P5	LUNCH
1300 – 13.45	P6	Computer Science	Computer Science	SCS	PSHE	Combined Science
1345 – 1430	P7	Computer Science	Computer Science	SCS	PSHE	Combined Science
1430 – 1500		Break and Group Tutor
1500 – 1545	P8	English	Combined Science	Combined Science	Maths	Sport
1545 – 1630	P9	English	Combined Science	Combined Science	Maths	Sport
1630 – 17:15	P10	Meetings, teaching or clubs

SCS = Sports Culture Service; Student chooses from a list of options e.g; book club, baking, photography, public speaking etc

PSHE = Personal, Social, Health Education

Sport = Compulsory session for GCSE level students.

Each period = 45mins