ᐅ GCSE Programme in Berkshire ᐅ Reddam House, Wokingham

Our GCSE Programme in Berkshire, Wokingham

At Reddam House, our approach to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) for Years 10 and 11 is far more than just two years of exam preparation. Our expansive GCSE programme empowers students to get right to the heart of their chosen subjects, and our students consistently achieve outstanding results, with over a third attaining Levels 8 and 9 annually.

Alongside their academic studies, our GCSE students are also encouraged to explore a wide variety of enriching extracurricular and co-curricular opportunities, and our outstanding facilities provide the perfect environment for them to thrive.

Our dedicated school staff get to know each student's individual needs and provide the support and guidance necessary to achieve exceptional GCSE results, as well as preparing pupils for the next stage of their education and the transition to the Sixth Form.

Why Choose Our School in Berkshire to Study GCSE?

Our unwavering commitment to academic excellence at Reddam House is illustrated by our students' exceptional GCSE results: In 2024, over a third of our Senior School students achieved remarkable Level 8 or 9 grades in their GCSEs. Additionally, 60% received 9-7 grades, which is more than double the UK average.

At Reddam House, senior students begin a comprehensive GCSE selection process from the start of Year 9. Throughout this journey we maintain an open and consultative approach, involving students and parents every step of the way, to ensure that individual aspirations and needs are considered for success in the General Certificate of Secondary Education.

In our GCSE programme in Berkshire, pupils' preferences are prioritised over restrictive pre-established blocks. This flexible approach empowers our students to design an educational path that aligns with their interests and future goals. We also allow students to experience their GCSE timetable during the Summer term of Year 9, providing ample time to trial their GCSE options and feel confident and prepared before entering Year 10.

Exceptional GCSE Results

Reddam House Berkshire students were awarded outstanding GCSE grades with 20% achieving Level 9, 37% achieving 9-8 and 60% achieving 9-7 (equivalent to grade A* or A in the old system). These GCSE results far exceed the UK national average, more than doubling the national average for grades 9-7.

GCSE Options & Programme

During Year 9's spring term at Reddam House, students can choose from a wide variety of GCSE subjects to create a curriculum that appeals to their unique strengths and ambitions. All pupils study the core subjects of Maths, English Language, and either separate or combined Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology). Most students also study English Literature.

In addition, pupils choose four GCSE options from a list of options. Students can also opt to do a Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), which is an independent, research-based enquiry project of their choice, highly valued by universities.

At Reddam House, GCSE subject leaders choose the course for their subject based on the content and rigour of the syllabus and the specialism of their staff. We offer a variety of GCSE subjects from different examination boards, including Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Edexcel, Edexcel International, EDUQAS (WJEC), AQA, and OCR. Currently, Mathematics, English, Modern History, and Drama are based on the IGCSE curriculum.

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GCSE Subjects

Students will take the Core subjects of Maths, English Language and Science.
In addition, four optional GCSE subjects are chosen from the lists below:

Art and Design
Business Studies
Computer Science
Drama
Dance
English Literature
French
Geography
Modern or Ancient History
Media Studies
Music
Physical Education
Spanish

There are also a few non-GCSE subjects on offer, including:

Core Subject Booster (CSB)
Core PE (Sport)
Higher Project Qualification (HPQ)

GCSE Exams & Grading System

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations are traditionally taken by students at the end of secondary school, in Year 11. Each GCSE exam is graded 9-1, under a grading system which was introduced in 2017. Grades were previously measured using the A*-G rating system. Level 1 qualification GCSE grades cover levels 1, 2, and 3, while Level 2 GCSE qualifications are grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

Some subjects have a non-examined element which contributes between 40% and 60% of the overall grade. Art and Design, Drama, Dance, Music, Physical Education and Media Studies all include a coursework or practical requirement.

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What Is the Difference Between GCSE & IGCSE?

IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education and is equivalent to the GCSE qualification. The IGCSE is the international version of the GCSE and is available in many schools around the world that offer international curriculums. IGCSEs are internationally recognised as highly-respected official high school qualifications and act as the gateway to further academic study in the UK and beyond.

What Are the EBacc Subjects?

The EBacc (English Baccalaureate) is a set of subjects at the GCSE level that keeps senior students' options open for further study in higher education and future careers.

The EBacc Subjects include:

English language and literature
Maths
The sciences
Geography or History
A Foreign Language

Reddam House senior students are thoroughly prepared to excel in their GCSEs, ensuring success in their final school years. Contact our admissions team to learn more about our rigorous preparation.

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