GCSE
It is our belief that as far as possible, within the framework of GCSE study, there should be flexibility and choice offered to all of our students.
Choosing subjects at this stage of learning can feel daunting and like a ‘one-chance’ opportunity to get it right. We view this process rather differently and prefer to build in options that will ensure students complete the right number of subjects, in a realistic time-frame.
The number of GCSEs a student takes is not a ‘one size fits all’ scenario. Students and parents often have a range of different questions about the decision making process. We offer advice based on the needs of your child as a learner to ensure we establish a pathway through their education that is supported, creative and engaging. This is the start of a journey that will continue throughout school and it can be a time of worry and concern over making the right choices.
Introduction: Why Wendover?
Interactive Learning
Students quickly become interactive learners on screen and paper under Wendover Online School's experienced guidelines.
Growth Mindset
We encourage our students to develop a growth, rather than fixed mindset - to try new things and ask questions with confidence.
Hands-on Learning
We inspire confidence and creativity with practical experiences as much as possible. Sciences and arts are taught along with extra curricular subjects.
Dedicated Support
Our weekly one-to-one 20 minute tutorials and group tutorials encourage students to share skills and interest with teachers and fellow students.
Welcome to studying GCSEs with Wendover Online School
Our programmes are devised to ensure that every individual can reach their potential and enjoy their learning process. We believe that as far as possible, within the framework of GCSE study, there should be flexibility and choice offered to all of our students.
Choosing subjects at this stage of learning can feel daunting and like a ‘one chance’ opportunity to get it right. We view this process rather differently and prefer to build in options that will ensure students complete the right number of subjects, in a realistic time frame.
The number of GCSEs a student takes is not a ‘one size fits all’ scenario. Students and parents often have a range of different questions about the decision making process. We offer advice based on the needs of your child as a learner to ensure we establish a pathway through their education that is supported, creative and engaging.
This is the start of a journey that will continue throughout school and it can be a time of worry and concern over making the right choices.
Jude Richardson
Director of Teaching & Learning
Timetable
Wendover Online School is a great way of learning. I feel I learn much more than I did in my old school because there are no distractions and the teachers are great. The classes are relaxed and friendly and we get to chat while still working hard.”
Sammy, Student
GCSE prospectus
Flip through our prospectus below or click the 3 dots to view additional options including download.
A British Curriculum
Please download our curriculum from the website to see how we ensure a personalised programme for each of our students.
The curriculum explains:
- Subjects taught, skills development and lesson duration
- Homework, self-study and assessments
- Reports, communication and tutorials
- Size of teaching group, independence in learning and induction
The education with Wendover Online School is truly focused on the needs of the individual child and with small classes has the flexibility to adjust to their needs. The rate at which our child accelerated with their learning in a way she enjoyed was significant
Michelle, Parent
GCSE Subjects
Art
In Art student are taught how to use with a wide range of different techniques and media. One of the objectives is to produce a final personal piece. The media and skills include:
- painting
- print making
- digital and lens based media
- graphic communication
- textiles
- fashion.
Biology
GCSE Biology helps learners to understand the biological world in which they live and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. The syllabus includes the basic principles and concepts that are fundamental to the subject, including:
- Types of organisms
- Nutrition
- Disease & Immunity
- Drugs
- Reproduction and Genetic Engineering.
Business Studies
Business studies develops learners’ understanding of business activity in the public and private sectors, and the importance of innovation and change. Learners cover how businesses are established, financed, run and regulated.
Chemistry
Chemistry helps to understand the technological world with an informed interest in science and scientific developments.
The syllabus includes the basic principles such as:
- The Nature of Matter
- Moles
- Atoms
- Elements, and Compounds
- Reactions
- Chemical Energetics
- Organic Chemistry.
Computer Science
Students develop an interest in computational thinking and an understanding of the principles of problem solving using computers.
The course is split into two sections the theory of computer science, with topics including data representation, communication technologies, and the second section focusses on practical problem solving and programming, including algorithm design and databases.
English Language
This compulsory course aims to develop the student’s ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively by focusing is on using wide range of vocabulary, grammar, spelling and punctuation, while developing a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.
English Literature
The Literature in English GCSE provides students with skills to analyse a range of literary texts including Shakespeare, contemporary, modern fiction and poetry. Students learn how to write about and express subtle ideas supported by their knowledge and understanding of the texts and the writer’s techniques.
French
A GCSE in French develops cultural awareness of French speaking countries and students acquire the essential linguistic skills required for progression to further studies or employment. The course topics include personal & social life, the world around us and work.
Geography
Geography develops students’ understanding of the processes which affect physical and human environments and provides an understanding of place and communities on a local, regional and global scale and different environments.
History
The History syllabus looks at some of the major international issues of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well as covering the history of particular regions in more depth. The emphasis is on both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research.
Mathematics
Mathematics is a compulsory subject for all our students. The syllabus aims to build fluency in mathematical concepts, methods and skills, as well raising awareness of numbers, patterns and relationships. Topics include, Algebra, Graphs, Geometry, Probability & Statistics, Trigonometry and Vectors. There is a strong emphasis on solving problems as well as presenting and interpreting data and results.
Physics
Physics helps learners to understand the technological world in and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.
The syllabus includes the basic principles and concepts that are fundamental to the subject including:
- General physics
- Thermal physics
- Properties of waves
- Electricity and atomic physics.
Psychology
The study of Psychology is broad and varied. The GCSE course focuses on areas such as the biological and neurological side of the brain works. Principles and methodology are covered as well as then interpreting and applying these theories in order to perform analyses of the sociological aspects of the subjects.
Spanish
Students acquire the essential linguistic skills required for progression to further studies or employment. The course focusses on five broad topics, from personal & social life, to the world around us and work. Students develop their vocabulary, grammar and structures, in all key areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Spoken Spanish.
Finding an exam centre and entering exams.
Our dedicated and experienced Wendover Exams Officer is here to take the strain off you for exams entries; to support you by finding an appropriate exam centre and helping you to enter.
At the beginning of your course, our Exam Officer will make contact to discover your requirements and start the process of finding a centre. Centres may be dedicated to private candidates, or they may be within a school setting.
It is important to make exam entries at the beginning of the second year of the course in order to have the widest choice of centres.
Our exam officer has experience in placing our students in the best possible setting for them, including Home Invigilation in some exceptional cases.
Access arrangements
Students may require access arrangements for their exams. Access arrangements may include extra time, smaller rooms, rest breaks and use of a laptop.
Our SENCo and Exams Officer work together with the exam centre to collate the evidence needed to complete Form 8 (the request to the exam board for access arrangements).
Evidence for this form may include a “Normal Way of Working” letter, as well as other supporting documents from the school.
Explore our online school with a taster lesson
Please schedule an appointment. We are happy to answer your questions and arrange a taster lesson, and can set up a preliminary English test for children whose native language is not English.
We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant and effective online school!
