Leading students to the next step in their educational journey…
Year 11 is an important year in the British Education system as students take their GCSE exams. Students are usually aged 15 or 16 in Year 11 and it is the last year of compulsory secondary education in the UK.
GCSEs are usually taken over two years but the special Year 11 Pathway allows students to take five to seven IGCSEs in one year only. This means in one year they will achieve the minimum entry requirements necessary to go on to study the IB Diploma or A Levels.
For many degree courses such as medicine it makes the application stronger to have GCSEs as well as the IB Diploma or A Levels. The Year 11 Pathway has been especially designed with a good range of subjects that keeps students’ options open for the next step. During the year we help students to choose the right subjects for Year 12 and decide between the IB Diploma or A Levels so that the pathway they choose leads them to their chosen university degree.
Choose the pathway if:
- You are planning to study the IB Diploma or A Levels in the UK and you are aged 15. The Year 11 Pathway will help you get the GCSEs you need. The programme focuses on developing you academically and providing you with the skills to flourish in the UK education system in Year 12 /13 and beyond at university.
- You want a gap year studying in the UK system before returning to your own country to continue your education there. You will leave the Year 11 Pathway with GSCEs, improved English and an unforgettable experience.
- You are age 16 but your English is not strong enough for you to start the IB Diploma or A Levels. The Year 11 Pathway will help you improve your English as well as helping you to get a good foundation in the subjects you want to study.
- You are a British student who wants to return to the UK education system or you want to repeat your GCSEs in one year to improve your results.
Course structure
To achieve five to seven GCSEs in a year, students will study in specialist classes with experienced teachers to help them achieve the best results. These classes are dedicated Year 11 Pathway lessons so they receive the necessary support. We make sure students cover all the material in one year.
When students arrive at Sidcot we will assess them and place them in either the higher stream or the standard stream. The number of GCSEs that they take will depend on their ability, their level of English and their plans for the next stage.
