One-year GCSE programme
(the One-year GCSE is sometimes called an International Transition Year – “ITY”)
The majority of GCSE (ITY) students finish the year by taking five GCSE exams. These include English, Maths, a dual Science award, one Humanities subject and their own language. These exams are internationally recognised qualifications.
This is a great qualification for international students aged 15 years+. After completing GCSEs students progress on to A-levels, the Business Diploma, or the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Two-year GCSE programme
Occasionally a family will prefer for their child to complete the GCSE content across two years. This provides the student with opportunity to improve language ability in the first instance, adjust to the demands of the UK curriculum, solidify learning, and then drive towards enhanced GCSE exam results at the end of the second year.
Why choose to study GCSEs at Earlscliffe?
Our small class sizes and supportive teaching environment enables students to achieve 5 GCSEs in just one year. This qualification is highly recognised all over the world. GCSEs put Earlscliffe students in a very good position to progress into further education and subsequently onto university and beyond.
Some international students choose to study GCSEs before moving onwards, simply to give themselves a year to adapt to the educational system. This enables them to improve language skills, and adjust to life in the UK.
Other students from overseas prefer to take the Earlscliffe GCSE (ITY) as an experience year away from their own educational system. The British way of learning is an enjoyable change from their native curriculum, and they get fully involved in British boarding school life. At the end of this one-year programme, they have grown both academically and emotionally.
A-LEVELS
With years of A-level education experience, we support our students to achieve their very best, and reach the universities of their choice.
The A-level course is a two year programme with final, external exams taken at the end of the second year in May and June. Results are published by the external examination boards in mid-August. Our A-level teaching is rigorous and intensive: we allocate nine lessons (6hrs 45 minutes) to each main subject per week.
Earlscliffe students will ordinarily choose four subjects at A-level. One of these four subjects is usually a student’s own language.
Almost all of the subjects on offer at Earlscliffe are seen as ‘core’ subjects and they are therefore readily accepted by the UK’s best universities. Most students will also study IELTS and undertake the highly-regarded EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), which will help their university application considerably.
A-levels are national qualifications regulated by the UK government
UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION YEAR
For students who have completed their own country’s formal secondary school leaving certificate or qualification(s), we can offer a University Foundation Year (UFY) to prepare them fully for UK undergraduate life at some of the UK’s best universities.
The Earlscliffe University Foundation Year (UFY) is officially accredited by NCFE.
Students must be at least 17 years old by 1st September immediately preceding the course start date. Students must officially attain a minimum English Language level of IELTS 5.0 prior to starting the course. Our pathway-specific entry tests must be taken by applicants.
The University Foundation Year at Earlscliffe gives students a choice of pathways: STEM, BEM, Humanities, or Creative Arts. Each pathway is underpinned with serious academic content and assessment, thereby giving leading universities confidence in its integrity and in their decisions to make conditional offers to our UFY students. Teaching is rigorous and intensive: we allocate nine lessons (6hrs 45 minutes) to each main subject per week. Most students will also study IELTS and undertake the highly-regarded EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), which will help their university application considerably.
University Foundation Year Pathways:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
- BEM (Business, Economics and Management)
- Humanities
- Creative Arts
BUSINESS DIPLOMA
ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Business and Management
For students who are looking for an alternative pathway to A-levels and are interested in the areas of Business and Management, we can offer our one-year Business Diploma. This government-recognised qualification is accepted by many of the UK’s best universities.
Students must be at least 17 years old by 1st September immediately preceding the course start date. Students must attain a minimum English Language level of IELTS 5.0 prior to starting the course. Our course-specific entry tests must be taken by applicants.
Formally equivalent to two A-levels, the course comprises six course modules covering the most important aspects of business and management. The course is internally assessed using a combination of written tests, presentations and a course portfolio (there are no formal, external exams). The final grade will be awarded as a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
This Diploma is underpinned with serious academic content and assessment, thereby giving leading universities confidence in its integrity and in their decisions to make conditional offers to our Diploma students. This is an excellent course for those who wish to go on to study Business or a Business-related undergraduate degree.
This Diploma is officially recognised by the UK Government – Ofqual registered qualification: No 601/8701/3; European Qualification Framework Level 4.
In order to gain entry to the best university possible, this course should be combined with one or more A-levels (for example, an A-level in your own language). Most students will also study IELTS and undertake the highly-regarded EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), which will help their university application considerably.
Course modules
- Managing Business Operations
- Maximising Resources to Achieve Business Success
- The Business Environment
- Managing People in Organisations
- Working in Teams
- Effective Business Communications
Entry requirements
- English level: IELTS 5.0+ or equivalent (B1)
- Completion of equivalent Level 2 course, i.e. GCSEs or equivalent
- Earlscliffe English and Mathematics entry tests
- Interview
