An excellent platform for moving onto the next level and a solid foundation for continuing their studies, these two courses, one and two year GCSEs, give students the opportunity to study between six and ten key academic subjects as well as improve their English proficiency in small class sizes with intensive teaching.
Taught by the existing Cardiff Sixth Form staff, all students will also participate fully in sport, cultural activities, a super-curricular programme, academic enrichment opportunities and everyday College life, alongside the A Level students. Our Cambridge campus does not currently offer the GCSE programme.
The one year GCSE course will be particularly useful for international students, many of whom do not take a formal examination at this stage, who wish to follow an A Level programme and subsequently hope to study at a top UK or US university. It is a stand-alone qualification, the results of which are also taken into account in the entry process for top university courses.
Students will study six GCSE subjects depending on their ability and English language proficiency.
Students will also study one of the humanities taken from History, Geography, Economics, French, German or Art plus the option to take a GCSE in their own language. In addition, the GCSE curriculum will include:
PHSEE – non-examined tutorials covering personal, social, health, economic education and citizenship, Physical Education.
The college also offers a two-year GCSE course where students study ten subjects over the two year period. All students will study Maths, Additional Maths, English Language and Literature and the three sciences. They can also choose three subjects, one of which must be a modern language, from French, German, Geography, History, Business Studies, Psychology and Art.
This International GCSE qualification has been designed to raise awareness of the purposes, intentions and functions of art, craft and design. Students develop knowledge, understanding and skills within their chosen endorsed title specialism when completing their Personal Portfolio.
Component 1: Personal Portfolio
Students must work within one of the following endorsed titles: Fine Art; Graphic Communication; Photography; Textile Design; Three-dimensional Design.
Students create a personal portfolio of work that demonstrates the knowledge, understanding and skills for the selected endorsed titles.
Students must submit: Three sheets of supporting studies (maximum size A2 for each sheet) and one sheet of final outcome/s
All work is internally set and is externally marked using the assessment grid.
Component 2: Externally-set Assignment
Students must continue to work in the same endorsed title as they did for the Personal Portfolio. For example, if a student chooses Fine Art for component one, then they must continue with Fine Art for component two.
Students must present personal response(s) to an externally set broad-based thematic starting point, set by Pearson in the Externally Set Assignment.
Students must submit: Three sheets of supporting studies (maximum size A2 for each sheet) and one sheet of final outcome/s
The qualification enables students to:
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology comprises two externally-assessed papers:
You will study living things across both the plant and animal kingdoms. You will also take a broader perspective, examining ecology, the environment, and biological resources.
Biology Paper 1
The paper is assessed through a 2-hour written examination paper set and marked by Pearson. There will be a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Questions may come from any topic area across the specification. 1 The nature and variety of living organisms 2 Structures and functions in living organisms 3 Reproduction and inheritance 4 Ecology and the environment 5 Use of biological resources.
Biology Paper 2
The paper is assessed through a 1-hour and 15-minute written examination paper set and marked by Pearson. There will be a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Questions may come from any topic area across the specification. 1 The nature and variety of living organisms 2 Structures and functions in living organisms 3 Reproduction and inheritance 4 Ecology and the environment 5 Use of biological resources.
The qualification enables students to:
The The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Chemistry comprises two externally-assessed papers:
Chemistry is the study of the structure, behaviour, and properties of matter, and of the elements of the Earth and its atmosphere. Chemistry helps us to think logically about the world around us. Chemistry is the study of the composition, behaviour and properties of matter, and of the elements of the Earth and its atmosphere.
Chemistry Paper 1
The paper is assessed through a 2-hour written examination paper set and marked by Pearson. There will be a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Questions may come from any topic area across the specification: 1 Principles of chemistry 2 Inorganic chemistry 3 Physical chemistry 4 Organic chemistry.
Chemistry Paper 2
The paper is assessed through a 1-hour and 15-minute written examination paper set and marked by Pearson. There will be a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Questions may come from any topic area across the specification: 1 Principles of chemistry 2 Inorganic chemistry 3 Physical chemistry 4 Organic chemistry.
The qualification enables students to:
The course is designed to give students a sound understanding of economics, and the ability to use knowledge, skills and understanding appropriately in the context of individual countries and the global economy.
Paper 1: Microeconomics and Business Economics
Paper 2: Macroeconomics and the Global Economy
50% of the total International GCSE Examination of 1 hour 30 minutes, consisting of four compulsory questions, each worth 20 marks. The sub questions are a mixture of multiple-choice, short-answer, data response and open-ended questions.
The qualification enables students to:
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English Language (Specification A) is a linear qualification. It features a relevant, updated and engaging selection of texts ranging from British heritage to modern international.
Paper 1: Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing
Examination of 2 hours 15 minutes. Section A: Reading – a mixture of short- and long-answer questions related to a nonfiction text from Part 1 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology and one previously unseen extract. Total of 45 marks. Section B: Transactional Writing – one 45-mark writing task, from a choice of two involving a given audience, form or purpose.
Component 3: Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing
Internally assessed – Assignment A: Poetry and prose texts – one 30-mark essay question based on any two poetry or prose texts from Part 2 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology, including a 6-mark commentary on why these texts were selected. Assignment B: Imaginative writing – one 30-mark imaginative writing task.
The spoken language presentation may take a variety of forms, including: a) A speech or talk by a student, followed by questions from the audience. b) a formal debate or dialogue, such as an interview where the student is able to prepare extended responses to questions or prompts, which have been shared in advance, followed by questions from the audience. In all cases, the presentation should be prepared and last no longer than 10 minutes.
There are no marks for the spoken language endorsement. However, a grade will be awarded (Not Classified, Pass, Merit or Distinction). Students’ grades will appear on their certificates.
The qualification enables students to:
Students will communicate formally and informally in a range of contexts, and to understand a wide range of texts and styles. The aim of the qualification is to test French language competence through realistic and contextualised tasks.
Paper 1: Listening
Assessment is through a 30-minute examination paper set and marked by Pearson, plus five minutes’ reading time.
This paper assesses listening skills across five topic areas:
Paper 2: Reading and Writing
Assessment is through a 1-hour and 45-minute examination paper set and marked by Pearson.
This paper assesses reading and writing skills in separate sections across five topic areas:
Paper 3: Speaking
This paper assesses speaking skills across five topic areas. The examination is made up of three tasks. Students will present and answer questions on a picture. They will also discuss two different topics, chosen at random by Pearson from the following:
The qualification enables students to:
A two-paper model allows students to focus on physical and human geography. The qualification will test knowledge and understanding, as well as analytical, evaluation and fieldwork skills in both papers.
Paper 1: Physical geography
Examination of 1 hour and 10 minutes, consisting of two sections. The questions are a mixture of multiple-choice, short-answer, data- response, and open-ended questions. Section A: Candidates choose two out of three questions on: river environments, coastal environments, hazardous environments. Section B: Candidates choose one out of three fieldwork-related questions on: river environments, coastal environments, hazardous environments.
Paper 2: Human geography
Examination of 1 hour and 45 minutes, consisting of three sections. The questions are a mixture of multiple-choice, short-answer, data-response, and open-ended questions. Section A: Candidates choose two out of three questions on: economic activity and energy, rural environments, urban environments. Section B: Candidates choose one out of three fieldwork-related questions on: economic activity and energy, rural environments, urban environments. Section C: Candidates choose one out of three questions on: fragile environments and climate change, globalisation and migration, development, and human welfare.
The qualification enables students to
Students will communicate formally and informally in a range of contexts, and to understand a wide range of texts and styles. The aim of the qualification is to test German language competence through realistic and contextualised tasks.
Paper 1: Listening
Assessment is through a 30-minute examination paper set and marked by Pearson, plus five minutes’ reading time.
This paper assesses listening skills across five topic areas:
Paper 2: Reading and Writing
Assessment is through a 1-hour and 45-minute examination paper set and marked by Pearson.
This paper assesses reading and writing skills in separate sections across five topic areas
Paper 3: Speaking
This paper assesses speaking skills across five topic areas. The examination is made up of three tasks. Students will present and answer questions on a picture. They will also discuss two different topics, chosen at random by Pearson from the following:
The qualification enables students to:
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in History consists of two mandatory papers. It is a linear qualification and all papers must be taken at the end of the course of study.
Paper 1: Depth Studies
Assessment is through a 1 hour 30-minute examination paper set and marked by Pearson.
Students will study the following:
Assessment is through a 1 hour 30-minute examination paper set and marked by Pearson.
Students will study the following:
Paper 2: Investigation and Breadth Studies
Assessment is through a 1 hour 30-minute examination paper set and marked by Pearson.
Students will study the following:
The qualification enables students to:
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics (Specification A) is a linear qualification. The content is relevant, engaging and up to date. The course provides a solid basis for students wishing to progress to AS and Advanced GCE Level, or equivalent qualifications.
Students will complete two examination papers in June 2021. Each paper is 50% of the total International GCSE. Students will be required to demonstrate application and understanding of the following:
Each paper is assessed through a 2-hour examination set and marked by Pearson. The total number of marks for each paper is 100.
The qualification enables students to:
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics comprises two externally-assessed papers:
You will study the practical nature of physics, alongside the theoretical, learning to form hypotheses and conduct experiments. You will learn to evaluate, in terms of scientific knowledge, the merits and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments.
Physics Paper 1
The paper is assessed through a 2-hour written examination paper set and marked by Pearson. There will be a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Questions may come from any topic area across the specification: 1 Forces and motion 2 Electricity 3 Waves 4 Energy resources and energy transfers 5 Solids, liquids, and gases 6 Magnetism and electromagnetism 7 Radioactivity and particles 8 Astrophysics.
Physics Paper 2
The paper is assessed through a 1-hour and 15-minute written examination paper set and marked by Pearson. There will be a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Questions may come from any topic area across the specification: 1 Forces and motion 2 Electricity 3 Waves 4 Energy resources and energy transfers 5 Solids, liquids, and gases 6 Magnetism and electromagnetism 7 Radioactivity and particles 8 Astrophysics.
The qualification enables students to:
To provide students with the opportunity to develop an array of crucial soft skills through the participation in a variety of sports and activities whilst promoting lifelong wellbeing and participation in physical activity.
At Cardiff Sixth Form College, Physical Education is a hugely important aspect of school life. Our Physical Education Curriculum ensures that students have the opportunity to:
Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of competitive, non-competitive, traditional, and more alternative sports including:
Please go to the Apply Online button to apply for a place.
A newly-refurbished wing of our Shand boarding house, designed specifically for under 16 students, will give every student a single or twin bedroom, communal common room and kitchens. The House is fully supervised by House Parents and Assistants, who will look after the student’s pastoral needs, provide a mentoring programme and supervise homework.
The College offers a wide range of competitions, trips, events, clubs and activities which range from the College’s popular GLEE club, art club, to football and netball teams. Students can have a membership of the JD gym with badminton courts, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, squash courts, range of fitness classes, personal training and café and internet zone. All students will be part of a House and take part in House events such as house debating, house sport and house music.
For those wanting to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh programme training will take place during weekends and after school and for musical students we provide a college music room where students practice and make music together as well as the opportunity for private music lessons.
All students who want to continue to do their A Levels at Cardiff Sixth Form will be expected to meet the standard A Level entrance requirements for progression. However, Dukes Education, which owns Cardiff Sixth Form, also owns three further top quality Colleges: Rochester Independent College; Earlscliffe and Fine Arts College where, should they not meet the high entry requirements for Cardiff, students will be offered a place at one of the other colleges. All the Dukes Education Colleges operate under one Tier 4 licence.
