First time GCSEs
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Although students normally join the college having already taken GCSE exams, some may wish to take additional subjects or improve existing grades. Most universities require GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above and there is often a requirement for other subjects, especially for Science and Language degrees.
In order to begin A-level work, students are expected to have reached a satisfactory standard in GCSE or equivalent exams.
However, in some cases students may take GCSE subjects alongside their A-levels, either for the first time or as re-takes in order to satisfy university matriculation requirements.
The majority of those taking GCSE courses at the college are also taking A-levels. It is, however, possible to enrol at the college to take exclusively GCSE subjects. Some students who have started A-level courses without any previous experience in subjects such as Psychology, Economics and Law, may opt to take a GCSE in the subject as part of their preparation for the A-level. This may be a useful strategy, especially on a two-year A-level course.
GCSE subjects are normally taught over one year as a first-time course and either for one term or one year as a re-take. As with A-levels the choice is restricted for winter exams, many subjects being unavailable. Most GCSE subjects involve a coursework element as well as a final exam and so sufficient time has to be devoted to preparing this. Students who wish to re-take a GCSE subject are normally able to carry forward their coursework grade from the previous year or, if their previous grade was not high enough, they may re-work coursework and submit it again.
Progress Testing
'Practice makes perfect' and in order to ensure complete familiarity with the style and format of different examination questions a regular routine of timed progress tests is held, with a full mock examination taking place shortly before the real thing.
Progress Tests
Progress tests develop students' confidence and encourage systematic revision. They enable tutors to assess likely examination performance and to deal with difficulties students encounter when working under examination conditions. Tests are therefore organised on a regular basis, under timed examination conditions; there are normally at least three progress tests per term in each subject. Where students are having difficulty in mastering examination answering technique, additional tests are held to assist them develop their ability to produce the type of answers required.