GCSE courses

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 Accounting, Computing, 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.