GCSEs
To view a list of GCSE courses currently available, click here.
Overview
Sixth-form colleges are primarily associated with A-level courses, but Wentworth has developed a thriving GCSE department that can provide the ideal introduction to life at the college ahead of moving on to A-levels. The relaxed, yet exam-focused, atmosphere has proved to be beneficial to the students, especially in preparing them for the greater freedom and academic rigour of sixth form.
Students joining the college to study GCSEs do so for a variety of reasons, the most common being that parents feel that their son or daughter will benefit from small, supportive and hard working environments. The small class-sizes and personal attention we offer ensure that tutors are able to focus on the needs of each student, and those students who may have felt ‘lost’ and overwhelmed by large classes in previous schools find a new enjoyment and confidence in their ability to express themselves and learn, after a very short time at Wentworth. Additional supervision and extra-curricular activities are also provided for GCSE students, in recognition of their younger age and in accordance with the demands of the National Curriculum.
The most popular GCSE option is our one-year, fast-track course, which is an intensive preparation for GCSE beginning in September; though it is possible in certain circumstances to begin the GCSE course in Year 10, depending on age, circumstances and ability of each student. One-year courses are for those students who wish to transfer from other schools at the end of Year 10, or for those who wish to take additional subjects or improve existing grades. Retakes in Maths and English are available during the Autumn Term for students wishing to re-sit these examinations in November, although these can be taken alongside AS-levels during the lower-sixth year.
Wentworth offers a wide range of GCSE subjects, ranging from the traditional such as Maths, English Language and Sciences, to new and exciting courses in Drama, Photography and Film Studies. One-year GCSE students are encouraged to take up to eight subjects, and we feel that it is important that prospective students try a variety of subjects in the first week of term, before finalising their subject choices.
The GCSE Head of Year not only monitors students’ academic progress, but is responsible for their pastoral care and for keeping parents informed of progress. There are regular meetings between students and the Head of Year, but the system is designed to provide informal contact at any time during the week, should problems arise. The GCSE Head of Year is responsible for keeping in touch with parents, organising formal Parents’ Evenings, which we hold every term, but crucially is also available at the end of a phone at all times. A close partnership between the parents and the Head of Year can make an important contribution to a students’ success.
