GCSE

GCSE Programme in Marylebone, London

Students who undertake the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) at Wetherby Senior benefit from our challenging, nurturing approach that seeks to cultivate their full potential. Our budding scholars choose from extensive GCSE options that empower them to delve further into their selected subjects, achieve excellent outcomes and prepare for A Level success.

Our boys enjoy access to unique and prestigious opportunities to pursue their ambitions and strive for excellence beyond the GCSE years. We regularly partner with industry experts, respected professionals and elite organisations to enrich and elevate boys’ school experiences, foster their talents and provide leading university and career preparation. 
 
By getting to know each of our boys individually, our experienced staff produce tailored strategies that support and guide learners on their path to unlimited achievements.

GCSE Programme in Marylebone, London

Compulsory GCSE Programme

English Language

Over two years, you will build a range of critical skills. Through the study of non-fiction passages, you become adept at identifying key information, arriving at original inferences, being able to analyse the effects of language in insightful ways, and able to evaluate information. In addition to the essay writing skills that you obtain from your study of literature, you learn how to produce extended pieces of writing which describe and argue.

English Literature

In two years, you are taught a range of critical skills. By studying an anthology of 15 poems (from a range of cultures and time periods), a play and a novel, you become adept at understanding the meaning of different texts. You are able to identify relevant information and arrive at original inferences, as well as analyse the effects of language, structure and form in insightful ways. You are also able to respond personally to a text. In addition to consolidating your skills of written accuracy and variety taught in English language lessons, you hone your essay writing, as you learn how to write analytically and in a consistently engaging and academic style. Throughout your course, you get to participate in group work and to present individually to your class. For example, you may present your interpretation of a poem or be asked to perform sections from your set drama text.

Mathematics

During your two years, you develop your knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques to become confident problem solvers. Your course is split into four main areas: algebra, number, geometry, and probability and statistics.

Science

All Key Stage 4 pupils at Wetherby Senior are required to study science and have separate biology, chemistry and physics teachers. You either study the Double Award pathway or the Triple Science pathway, both of which impart invaluable scientific skills and a broad knowledge of the three sciences, enabling you to study the sciences at A Level and beyond. Within each science subject, a broad range of topics are covered and both pathways are centred around the idea of scientific investigation: you are taught to be scientifically sceptical and to require high standards of evidence in scientific matters. You become capable of planning practical activities and of choosing apparatus to suit, and you are also skilled in extracting, handling, and displaying data from experiments.

Compulsory GCSE Modern Foreign Language Option

All Key Stage 4 pupils at Wetherby Senior study at least one foreign language, chosen from French, German and Spanish, and sit three separate exams in listening, reading and writing, and speaking.

Compulsory GCSE Humanities Option

Classical Civilisation

Through this course, you develop an awareness of the continuing influence of the classical world, and of similarities and differences between the classical and modern worlds. You acquire, by studying a range of written and visual sources, knowledge and understanding of both Greek and Roman societies, and you develop analytical and evaluative skills. You are also required to formulate informed, personal responses to the ancient source material under study, which enhances your independent learning and critical thinking. You explore a mixture of mythological and historical topics, like the Olympian gods, Hercules’ twelve labours, death and the underworld, and Roman gladiators. As a result of the skills required, you enhance your ability to properly structure an essay and to effectively take notes, which will complement other subjects (e.g., English and History).

Geography

Our course is based on a balanced framework of physical and human geography, so allows you to investigate the link between the two themes, and to approach and examine the battles between the manmade and natural worlds. You cover the following topics: natural hazards, tropical rainforests, cold environments, rivers, coasts, urban challenges, the economic world, and resources management. Within these topics, you study key theories through case studies, and develop a range of geographical skills via fieldwork, as well as attending two field trips, in Brighton and in London.

History

Over two years, you will study International Relations: The Changing International Order 1918-75; Germany 1925-55: The People and State; Power: Monarchy and Democracy in Britain c.1000-2014; The English Reformation c.1520-50; and Castles: Form and Function c.1000-1750.

Further Two GCSE Options

Art and Design

Through GCSE Art and Design, you explore a variety of practical activities and respond in a personal way to different themes and ideas. You experiment with a range of media and materials including drawing, painting, clay, printmaking, photography and digital manipulation, and collage, enabling you to develop confidence in your skills. Over the two years, you visit galleries to investigate the artwork of different artists, and continue to develop your critical thinking in response to a range of art and artists.

Computer Science

Throughout your two years, there is an emphasis on analytical abilities, algorithms and computer logic, coding, and the understanding of technical and legal aspects of high technology. You are also taught a range of key mathematical and technical skills like numeracy, coding and technical terminology.

Drama

You explore play texts as directors, actors and designers, and study scripts and perform a play in both acting and written examinations. Our course gives you the chance to write your own plays, act in scripted plays, and attend and review professional plays.

Graphic Communication

You explore a range of practical activities and respond in a personal way to different themes and ideas. You work digitally on a computer and by hand, experimenting with design programmes like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and with more traditional manual graphic design techniques like gouache and pen and ink, to produce graphic responses that look professional and satisfy a design brief. You visit galleries to investigate the artwork of different artists, and continue to develop your critical thinking in response to a range of artists and designers.

Latin

Our course provides a foundation in both linguistic and cultural competence, enabling you to gain knowledge and understanding of the Roman world through reading and responding to its language and literature. You develop your knowledge of vocabulary, morphology and syntax in order to successfully translate passages of Latin.

Music

Our course encourages you to engage critically and creatively with a range of music and musical contexts, developing an understanding of the place of music in different cultures and contexts, and reflecting on how music is used in the expression of personal and collective identities. Over two years, you are taught a range of critical skills in a variety of interesting ways, including composing, appraising and performing.

Physical Education

Over two years, you are taught a range of content, including biomechanics, physical training, sports psychology and many more. Our course combines the theoretical and practical worlds of PE to provide an in-depth understanding of health and physical activity. You will also complete four sections of Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) which consists of three practical sports and coursework.