GCSE Retakes IN LONDON
- Introduction – GCSE Retake Courses in London
Students can join Bales for 1 year to retake 3-7 GCSE courses. We do not take students retaking fewer as as we need the time interaction to develop knowledge and study skills. This can be done in conjunction with the first year of A Level courses (Year 12), or as a full year of just GCSE resits.
Normally if students need to only retake a small number of GCSEs, with small grade improvement requirements, for example to gain grade C or higher in English and Maths, they can be sat alongside 3 subjects in the first year of A Level, Year 12.
Students should only progress to A Level with a thorough grounding, however. It may be necessary to spend a full year retaking a number of GCSE subjects, in order to give a solid foundation to move on to Year 12.
Understanding the reason for exam results
Personal circumstances that led to the lower-than-hoped GCSE results will be considered carefully, as well as the motivation of the student to significantly improve the quality and quantity of work done, and to fully apply themselves to the courses.
Common personal circumstances we find that would have contributed to lower GCSE results include social isolation at school, feeling lost in big classes of around 30 at the previous school, family reasons such as relocation or separation, or poor health. If lack of desire or motivation to do the work was the sole reason, then we would have to be convinced this will be changed.
Why join Bales
Students will benefit from continual personal attention in small groups, a new approach, a change of atmosphere, new social possibilities with their peers at Bales, and new expectations and motivation from our subject teachers. A fresh start often allows the student to deliver their best.
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Study techniques
Sometimes simply poor study techniques that have not been developed are a large cause of lower results. Bales will help students implement new techniques, including note-taking; using flash cards; and use of memory aids such as colouring notes, mnemonics etc.
Class topic tests
At the end of every major topic, class tests are taken under timed examination conditions. This helps a student see whether they have understood the material and are able to produce exam-quality answers with their knowledge. This breeds both confidence in their current knowledge, and in knowing what additional work needs to be done to reinforce weaker areas.
Regular feedback to parents and students
We have been told that students and parents have been surprised by the outcome of GCSE results at their previous school. This is often caused by a lack of reporting from the school to parents and students throughout the year. We send regular formal feedback in the form of class and end-of-term test results, mock exam results, by email and through termly printed reports. Parents evenings are held to highlight both areas of success and areas where improvement is needed.
Examination practice and techniques
A major part of success in GSCE examinations is regular practice in answering full examination papers under timed conditions. End of term tests replicate these, and mock examinations around Easter. Students are given help in areas such as revision, planning answers, planning the amount of time per mark, neatness, and understanding what examiners need to see.