Year 10 & 11 Curriculum

GCSE / iGCSE programme - Year 10 & 11

Overview

At the start of Year 10 (age 14-15), students at The New School begin courses leading to GCSE and iGCSE examinations, which are taken at the end of Year 11 (age 15-16). They are a natural continuation of courses in Years 7, 8 and 9 which are specifically designed as a foundation for GCSE and iGCSE courses. These exams prepare students for further academic work, including progression to ‘A’ level (Advanced level in Year 12/13) study. GCSE and iGCSE qualifications are recognised by academic institutions and employers around the world.

Exam boards

GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations are set by Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge Examining boards for which The New School is an official centre.

Study programmes

Students will usually take examinations in 9 GCSE subjects. The core subjects of English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, Italian and at least once science are compulsory. Students have a wide range of other subjects to choose from. A basic overview of each can be found in this booklet. Some subjects offer a choice of Core or Extended papers allowing students to access work at a level appropriate to their ability.

GCSE and iGCSE grading

At the end of the course, students receive a number grade for each subject with a range of 1-9 where 9 is the highest. A grade of 4 or above is considered a pass grade.

Progression

Five or more grades 6 -9 are normally required for entry into Year 12. Students wishing to continue studying a subject at ‘A’ level should have achieved a minimum of a grade 6 at GCSE / iGCSE in that subject.

GCSE INFORMATION PACK