GCSEs: Course structure

GCSE course structure and content

We offer GCSEs in two different study plans:

Accelerated one-year programme

Standard two-year programme

GCSE subjects

Students follow a mixed curriculum including science, mathematics and humanities subjects. They can expect to prepare for GCSE exams in a range of subjects, depending on aptitude and language proficiency.

Students on the Accelerated and Standard study plans study the same subjects and attend the same number of total taught lessons per week but the distribution of the lessons changes. The table below shows a breakdown of the lessons per week by subject.

Main academic subjects

Main academic subjects include: English, Science, Geography/History, Information Technology and Mathematics.

Mathematics

In studying iGCSE, learners develop skills, knowledge and understanding of a range of mathematical concepts, useful to future study. They will develop confidence in Number, Algebra, Ratio and Proportion, Geometry and Measures, Probability, Statistics by:

• using and applying techniques
• interpreting, reasoning and communicating mathematically
• solving mathematical problems in wider contexts.

English

Those studying English as a second language gain lifelong skills while developing a wider international perspective. They will:

• advance communicative ability in English through development of speaking and writing skills
• improve ability to understand English in a range of everyday situations and in a variety of social registers and styles
• have greater awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills while studying a number of contemporary topics.

Science

GCSE Science encourages learners to develop a better understanding of the world by teaching them about the influence of scientific study on society. They will gain skills that are essential for further study and everyday life by:

• learning how science methods apply to other academic disciplines and everyday life
• working on skills like: achieving accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness
• learning how to care for the environment.

Information Communication Technology

iGCSE ICT explores how digital technology impacts the lives of individuals, organisations and society. Students will:

• broaden and enhance ICT skills and capability
• work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts
• learn about current and emerging digital technologies and their use in a range of contexts
• learn how to reflect critically on their own and others’ use of ICT and how to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice.

Geography/other Humanities

iGCSE Geography teaches an understanding of the processes which affect physical and human environments. Learners will

• develop an understanding of location on a local, regional and global scale
• use and understand geographical data and information
• learn how communities around the world are affected and constrained by different environments.

Studying IGCSE History is an opportunity to study our world from the nineteenth century to the beginning of the twenty-first century. Students develop historical skills and knowledge while becoming enthusiastic about understanding the past. They will:

• explore history from a diversity of perspectives, including social, economical, cultural and political.
• gain a greater understanding of international issues and inter-relationships
• learn how to present clear, logical arguments.

Enrichment programme subjects

The enrichment programme focuses on subjects such as PHSE, Physical Education and Creative Arts.

Creative Arts

GCSE Art and Design is a creative qualification that engages students in the process of crafting and designing. Students become imaginative and intuitive when exploring and making images, artefacts and products. They will:

• acquire and develop technical skills through working with a broad range of media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies with purpose and intent
• take risks and learn from experience when exploring and experimenting with ideas, processes, media, materials and techniques
• develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.

Total: 40 – 42 lessons per week

Please note that content may vary from college to college.

Sample timetable (Accelerated programme)