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• Public Examinations
• Post School Alternatives
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Public Examinations

In general all students are expected to sit the GCSE examinations in the summer of Year 11. We ask for parental support in ensuring that in preparation for these examinations priority is given to College work over any out-of-college interests or activities. In many subjects there is now a strong element of coursework. In terms of homework commitment this may mean a greater concentration on particular subjects at different times rather than a regular pattern of allotted time per subject as in the past. Some course work assignments must be completed during specific periods of the course. It is vital that parents should avoid making arrangements to take their sons on holiday at such times.

Students are considered for entry for public examinations on the recommendations of the Headteacher and the teaching staff. Students will be counselled and parents will be consulted but ultimately the decision as to the type and level of examination for which the student is entered is a professional one. Each school is required, in formulating its detailed examinations policy, to have regard to the Authority’s curriculum policy, the school’s own broad-based curriculum objectives and the requirements of the National Curriculum as and when it is developed. Entry, certification and examination fees for subjects, courses and course components which students take on the recommendation of the Headteacher and teaching staff are paid by the Authority under the following circumstances:-

• Most students will sit one or more GCSE subjects at the age of 15 or 16. The majority of students will sit between five and eight subjects and some may be offered more than eight entries.
• Coursework assignments are an essential component of most GCSE courses and all students are expected to complete such assignments by the dates required. In exceptional circumstances the Headteacher may exercise discretion in not entering a candidate for one or more GCSE subjects if there is evidence that a student is unwilling or unable to fulfil coursework requirements.
• A range of examinations (for example basic or graded test, commercial or music examinations), if these form part of an individual school’s subject or course option and the student is likely to benefit from an alternative or supplementary qualification.
• It is not generally necessary for students to re-sit GCSE examinations unless particular qualifications are urgently required. Advice should be sought from the school staff before any decision is made.
• It is possible for some students in some subjects to take a full GCSE in one year and then use the final year to pursue either a higher grade in that subject or take an AS level. This very much depends on the subject, timetable opportunities and the recommendation of the subject teacher. For students in this position it is normal practice for early examination entry and the appropriate programmes of study to be agreed with parents. It may also involve some additional fees and closely monitored coursework arrangements.