GCSE Re-takes
A small number of students join the college each year to re-take GCSE subjects, either alongside first-time A-level courses or before starting A-levels. It may be necessary to re-take one or more GCSE subjects simply to satisfy university matriculation requirements.
For most universities, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 'C' or above is a mandatory requirement and students should have attained at least this standard before beginning A-levels. For those who need to spend a further period of time re-taking GCSE subjects, a decision needs to be made as to how quickly to re-take, which will depend on knowledge and aptitude in the subject, the amount of preparation work required, other work priorities and the availability of winter exam sittings. GCSE coursework is also a factor, as this may be carried forward or re-submitted, but is not transferable to a different examining board.
We are happy to offer advice about re-take strategies, either by telephone, e-mail or at interview. In most cases one or two subjects may be taken early, in November, with the remainder taken over a full academic year. Where only one or two subjects need to be re-taken, to satisfy university requirements, it is normally possible to begin a couple of A-levels and to re-take the GCSE subjects alongside these.
Course structure
The standard structure for a GCSE re-take course is two hours a week of individual tutorials or four hours of small group lessons per week in each subject. However, more or fewer hours may be provided as appropriate.