Ages 14 – 16 (Years 10 & 11)
2 Year GCSE/Pre-IB Programmes
In the UK, when students reach 14 years of age (as of 01 September) they usually begin a two-year academic programme starting in Year 10 and finishing in Year 11, which results in them taking up to 10 subjects at GCSE level (General Certificate of Secondary Education).
At Taunton School, there are 2 educational pathways our 14-16 year old International students can take to gain their all-important GCSEs.
Option 1
Students with intermediate levels of English (CEFR B1 – B2; IELTS 4.5 – 6.0) complete their two-year GCSE/Pre-IB programme at Taunton School International (TSI). In their first year, students take up to 5 GCSEs and in their second year, a further 5 or 6 GCSEs can be taken.
Class sizes are small at TSI, with an average of 8 students/class and we have an excellent record of attracting a wide and diverse nationality mix.
We employ specialist teachers who are qualified and experienced in teaching their own subjects as well as EAL (English as an Additional Language).
Core subjects are English as a First Language or English as a Second Language, Maths and Own Language (where it exists as a GCSE).
GCSE options are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Psychology, Business Studies, Economics, Computer Science, Design Technology, Art, Media Studies, Music*, French*, German*, Spanish* & Latin*. Note that subjects marked with an asterisk (*) are studied outside of the standard timetable and require a significant amount of additional private study.
Option 2
Students with high levels of English (CEFR ≥ B2; IELTS ≥ 6.0) complete their two-year GCSE/Pre-IB programme at the Senior School (TS) where they can take up to 10 GCSE subjects over the two-year period.
Core subjects for GSCE include English Language, English Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Students can then choose up to 4 subjects from the following:
- Social Sciences: Business Studies, Economics, PE
- Humanities: Classical Civilisation, Geography. Global Perspectives, History, Religious Studies
- Creative Arts: Drama, Fine Art, Music
- Languages: Classical Greek, French, German, Latin, Spanish
- Technology: Computer Studies, Design Technology, ICT
- Academic Skills: EAL, Higher Project Qualification
GCSE Subject Options
View our GCSE Subject Options brochure to find out more about the range of courses on offer.
GCSE Results
We are extremely proud of all our one-year GCSE students who have achieved outstanding success again this year. With an overall pass rate of 88.3% (national average = 68%) and an amazing A*-A/9-7 pass rate of 43% (national average = 22%), it is clear that all that hard work and endeavour has paid off.
Many congratulations to everyone involved and we wish them all the very best as they move on to A Levels, the IB, BTECs or our Foundation Programme at the Senior School or International School.
Sample Timetables
Click on the images to view our sample timetables, to give you an idea of the shape of the week for our international students.
Contact ourAdmissions team
For further support and advice, please contact our International Admissions Team, who will be happy to help you with any questions you might have and guide you through the application process.