Founded in 1972

Years 10-11

Courses in Years 10 and 11 lead to GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations.  These exams are set by London and Cambridge Universities, for which The New School is an official centre.  They mark the end of compulsory schooling in England and are a natural continuation of courses in Years 7, 8 and 9 which are specifically designed as a foundation for GCSE.  These exams are also the first step towards qualifications needed for admission to universities all over the world.  They are an ideal foundation for A-level (Advanced level).

At GCSE level students take a wide range of subjects. In order to make sure that everyone has a balanced and broad curriculum, many subjects are compulsory.  Choices are limited to ensure that no one specialises too early or limits later possibilities by dropping an important subject.

Subjects currently followed:
[ ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LITERATURE ]
[ MATHEMATICS ]     [ BIOLOGY ]     [ CHEMISTRY ]     [ PHYSICS ]
[ ITALIAN ]     [ FRENCH ]     [ SPANISH ]     [ HISTORY ]     [ ART ]     [ DRAMA ]

The make up of subject courses may vary. Some have a coursework component.  This means that a part of the final mark will be based on work done throughout Years 10 and 11, usually in the form of an investigation or special project.  Foreign languages have an oral exam which is recorded and sent to England. Some subjects offer the possibility for students to be entered at different tiers according to their level of achievement.

In the January of Year 11 students take mock examinations at school. The aim is to practise answering examination papers under examination conditions.  Students are then given a predicted grade for each subject. Final exams are held at The New School in May and June of Year 11.

Each subject has more than one paper.  Completed scripts are sent to England to be graded.  Results are issued in August and certificates in November.  The School is responsible for making entries and for all administrative procedures.

In order to help students to prepare for exams in the most effective way, they are granted a period of study leave before and during the examination period.  During this time they only come to school to sit an exam or if required to see a particular teacher.