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GCSE course structure and content

We offer different study plans:

  • Accelerated one-year programme in all colleges
  • Two-year GCSE in Bournemouth
  • Extended GCSE in Bournemouth

Accelerated one-year programme

Key facts

Start dates:

  • 8 September 2025

Colleges:

  • Kings Bournemouth
  • Kings Brighton
  • Kings London
  • Kings Oxford

Course length:

  • 1 Academic Year (3 terms)

Lessons:

  • 40 – 42 lessons per week

Entry requirements:

  • Junior Entrance Test equivalent to minimum IELTS 5.0
  • Completed 9 years of schooling

Minimum age:

  • 15

Two-year GCSE programme

Key facts

Start dates:

  • 9 September 2024

College:

  • Kings Bournemouth

Course length:

  • 2 academic years (6 terms)

Lessons:

  • 40 - 42 per week

Entry requirements:

  • Junior Entrance Test equivalent to minimum IELTS 5.0
  • Completed 8 years of schooling

Minimum age:

  • 14

Extended GCSE programme

Key facts

  • The extended GCSE allows students to build their English levels while being introduced to some academic topics. Students will then choose to join either the two-year GCSE or the accelerated one-year GCSE to gain their formal qualifications.

Start dates:

  • 8 April 2024
  • 1 July 2024
  • 9 September 2024

College:

  • Kings Bournemouth

Course length:

  • 4-7 terms

Lessons:

  • 40-42 per week

Entry requirements:

  • Junior Entrance Test equivalent to minimum IELTS 4.0
  • Completed 8 years of schooling

Minimum age:

  • 14

Learning outcomes

  • Gain UK national qualification
  • Raise English to level required for A-level or Foundation
  • Develop study skills required at sixth form level

GCSE subjects

Students follow a mixed curriculum including science, mathematics and humanities subjects.

Students on both the two year and one-year accelerated GCSE courses can expect to prepare for GCSE exams in a range of subjects that will ensure they are fully prepared for their next academic level.

Those on the two-year GCSE will study up to 9 subjects while students on the one-year accelerated GCSE (or those who start on the extended GCSE course) will study a maximum of five subjects.

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

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.

History

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.

Art and Design

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.

Sports

Students will enjoy a range of sports activities offered in and around the college. Students can take part in rock climbing, ice skating, beach volleyball, football, tennis and basketball.

Physical Education

We also offer PE as a GCSE subject. The course focuses on the theory of physical education and covers Applied anatomy and physiology, Movement analysis, Physical training, Use of data, Sports psychology, socio-cultural influences, Health, fitness and well-being. It also covers physical training and an analysis of a performance in one or more individual or team activities.

Personal, Social Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is a school subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. It helps children and young people to stay healthy and safe, while preparing them to make the most of life and work.

PSHE involves the study of three broad topic areas: Health and Wellbeing; Relationships; Living in the Wider World.

Total: 40 – 42 lessons per week

Please note that content may vary from college to college.

Sample timetable (one-year GCSE)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Lesson 1 (8.40) Mathematics English skills General English General English English skills
Lesson 2 (9.20) Mathematics English skills General English General English English skills
Lesson 3 (10.00) Academic Preparation (AP) PSHE AP English skills Mathematics
Break (10.40)
Lesson 4 (11.00) AP PSHE AP English skills Mathematics
Lesson 5 (11.40) General English General English ICT Self study Art and Design
Lesson 6 (12.20) General English General English ICT Self study Art and Design
Lunch (13.00)
Lesson 7 (13.40) Self study Trinity Arts Tutor Group session AP Physical Education
Lesson 8 (14.20) Science Trinity Arts Tutor Group session AP Physical Education
Break (15.00)
Lesson 9 (15.10) Art and Design English skills Science Mathematics Science
Lesson 10 (15.50) Art and Design English skills Science Mathematics Science

Sample timetable (two-year GCSE)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Lesson 1 (9.00) Mathematics English Chemistry English Physics
Lesson 2 (9.45) Mathematics English Chemistry English Physics
Break (10.30)
Lesson 3 (11.00) Biology History Maths Geography Geography
Lesson 4 (11.45) Biology History Maths Geography Geography
Lunch (12.30)
Lesson 5 (13.30) Art ICT ICT Art Games (PE)
Lesson 6 (14.15) Art ICT ICT Art Games (PE)
Break (15.00)
Lesson 7 (15.10) PSHE Guided study Tutor time History Enrichment
Lesson 8 (15.50) PSHE Guided study Enrichment History Enrichment

Tutor time

These timetabled sessions allow students to develop their study skills through guided self-study. As well as learning to manage their time and workload, students can also use this time to discuss their learning with their teachers. This is an opportunity for broader pastoral needs of the students to be addressed, it allows for learning targets to be negotiated set and reviewed, and is a good time for students to also discuss their future study plans in relation to their potential careers or university aims.

In Charminster Residence, study preparation is compulsory for all the under 18 section on a daily basis (5 nights a week).

Activities and excursions

Activities and excursions include arts clubs, debating societies, and cultural visits.

You can also take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. This has helped hundreds of thousands of young people to complete their own exciting and challenging programme of activities.

You will learn new skills, help others, have fun, make new friends, and gain a great sense of achievement.


Academic enrichment

Thank you for your enquiry.
We'll be in touch soon.
The Kings Admissions Team