Fourth and Fifth Formers work towards GCSEs and IGCSEs. GCSEs are the courses offered by all exam boards while IGCSEs (International GCSEs) are offered in a smaller number of subjects by some exam boards and are widely taught by leading schools. Academically more rigorous than their GCSE counterparts, these examinations require pupils to study, understand and think more deeply. The IGCSE is not, however, recognised by the Government’s Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and is therefore automatically excluded from School League Tables.
Each department chooses the best course in their subject: IGCSE in Maths, Science, English and English Literature, Geography, History and GCSE in all others. IGCSEs are examined through a mixture of written exams and (in a small number of subjects) coursework. All exams are taken at the end of Fifth Form except Maths for Set 1, and a small number of language GCSEs for native speakers.
For pupils, grades matter more than the number of subjects, with the vast majority of College pupils sitting papers at Higher Tier.
Most pupils take ten GCSEs, with everyone taking:
- English (IGCSE in English Language and IGCSE in English Literature)
- Mathematics
- Sciences (all pupils study Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with the subjects taught and examined separately. The final result is presented as two IGCSE grades known as Double Award Science)
- A modern foreign language or English as an Additional Language.
The options and modern language subjects consist of:
- Ancient Greek
- Art
- Classical Civilisation
- Design and Technology (specifically choosing one of Resistant Materials or Textiles)
- Drama
- French
- Geography
- German
- History
- Latin
- Music
- PE
- Religious Studies
- Spanish
Alongside this academic curriculum, there is of course, a full programme of PSHCE, sports, music and extra/co-activities.