One Year GCSE Course (Pre-IB)

Senior school > Curriculum > GCSE > One Year GCSE Course

The One Year GCSE Course in Year 11 offers pupils the chance to study eight GCSE subjects. It is an excellent preparation for pupils starting the IB Diploma or A levels a year later. It is also known as a Pre-IB course.

For the majority of pupils entering Year 11, the following subject combination is recommended:

Core Subjects:

English Language
Mathematics
English as a Second Language (IF APPLICABLE)
ONE HUMANITY SUBJECT:
History
Geography
ONE OR TWO SCIENCE SUBJECTS:
Biology
Chemistry
PHYSICS
ONE Modern Foreign Language:
French
Spanish
Japanese
Mandarin
Latin
ONE OPTION SUBJECTS:
3D Design
Fine Art
Graphics
Music
Drama
Computer Science

This combination will equip pupils with eight GCSE qualifications at the end of Year 11 while maintaining a manageable workload.

Pupils are fully integrated with mainstream classes. In addition, we offer English as a Second Language lessons to non-native speakers and additional teacher-directed study periods in order to support pupils in taking this intensive course.

Alongside their academic study, pupils are able to take part in part in the full range of sporting, musical, arts and community activities that a Gresham’s education offers. They will also be integrated into our boarding house system.

Additional compulsory elements

These aspects of the One-Year GCSE course are important aspects of the experience.

          • German Literature (for native German speakers who intend to study either the IB Diploma or Abitur).
          • PSHE (one period of Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education per week)
          • Supervised Study (pupils are given time to develop their learning across the curriculum and to carry out additional study in subjects that may be taken as GCSE examinations)
          Why choose Gresham’s for a One Year GCSE course?
          • Full integration with mainstream classes and the school’s programme of co-curricular activities.
          • Extra classes for non-native English speakers and extra teacher-directed study periods for full academic support.
          • A wide range of academic subject options.
          • The choice to take the IB Diploma or A levels upon completion of your course at Gresham’s.
          • Proven academic success; we are one of the first schools to offer a One Year GCSE programme and have almost ten years of experience.
          • Study at a school rated ‘excellent’ in our ISI inspection.
          • The pupils follow the core curriculum of Maths, English Language, a Modern Foreign Language, at least two sciences and a range of options.
          • Pupils on the course complete at least 5 GCSEs/IGCSEs
          • In Geography and History, pupils who are on the one-year course have additional lessons to support them through the IGCSE.
          • Pupils are taught in special classes for science and English language.
          What are the requirements for entry?
          • Pupils must be 15 years old on entry to the course in September.
          • Pupils must have a level of English equivalent to B2 of the Common European Framework or 5.0 at IELTS.
          • School reports will be taken in to consideration.
          • Applicants must complete the school’s own entrance papers in Maths and English.
          • Applicants will be interviewed, either as part of a visit to the school, or via Teams.

          For further information or to make an application, please contact the Admissions Team on 00 44(0)1263 714614 or email [email protected]