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GCSE Plus

The GCSE Plus programme is a stepping stone programme that will enable you to make a successful transition to Level 3 study. 

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Course Summary

Subject Area: GCSE Plus
School Leaver - Academic
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Full Time or Part Time: FT
Level: 2
Number Of Years: 1
Interview Required?: Y
Joseph Wright Centre

Apply now at: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/course/gcse-plus
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Course Information for Students

The GCSE Plus programme is a stepping stone programme that will enable you to make a successful transition to Level 3 study.  It will help you realise your full potential by giving you the skills, confidence and grades necessary to make a successful next step. 

English Language and Mathematics are mandatory elements of the programme if you have not already gained those all-important grades of a 4.  Alongside these subjects, students can pick from a range of other GCSE subjects.  Bespoke study programmes will range from three to five GCSEs, along with a tutorial programme.  The core programme is taught as face-to-face provision.

We also offer a unique programme that will be delivered remotely via Microsoft Teams. This package will include English Language, Mathematics and English Literature along with a tutorial programme.  Students interested in this programme will need to express their interest during interview.  The programme is intended for students where this provision would better suit their needs.  Students wishing to progress via this programme to A-levels are invited to discuss this aspiration with the team.

The GCSE Plus programme attracts students from a diverse range of backgrounds.  The typical grade profile for a student taking this route is predominantly 3s and 4s. 

The programme is invaluable for students looking to improve their grade profile for progression to Level 3 courses, including A-levels. The programme is equally relevant to students with few or no qualifications who may have been home-schooled, who may have studied overseas or who may have missed school or exams for valid reasons. 

Students who join us without prior qualifications will need to complete a screening test in English Language and Mathematics prior to an interview.

Subject choices are tailored to you.

The Pick and Mix GCSE Package includes:

  • English Language (mandatory unless you have a prior grade of 4 or above)
  • Mathematics (mandatory unless you have a prior grade of 4 or above)
  • Combined Science (Trilogy)
  • English Literature
  • Business Studies
  • History
  • Media (coursework element)

This course will be delivered on-site.

There may be some additional costs in some courses such as English Literature where you will be required to have your own copies of the texts.

Other opportunities for enrichment or trips during the year may incur a cost.

If you are studying remotely you will need access to your digital devices.

Throughout both courses, you will be assessed on a regular basis within class and through set homework. You will have formal assessments throughout the year and your final grades will be assessed through a final examination.  Media also has a coursework element which will form part of your overall grade, along with your examination.

The GCSE Plus programme can allow you to progress to a number of Level 3 courses at the College.

In order to progress to A-levels, you will need to achieve at least a grade 5 in English Language, 4 in Maths and 4 in three other subjects.

For Level 3 vocational courses, you will need to refer to the specific entry requirements for each area.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk

Course Information for Employers

If you are an employer and would like to know more about the apprenticeships and professional training we deliver or how you can get involved in co-creating and co-delivering the curriculum, please contact us via email on businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk, call us on 01332 387 421 or visit our employer pages here.

Career Information

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More Careers Information at: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/career-pathways
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DCG Success Stories

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Bhyrel John

Bhryel ‘Dylan’ John SB, former vice president of Derby College Group’s Student Union, is on the flight path to achieving his ambition. 

Taking GCSE Plus at Joseph Wright Centre got me my grades but it also led to extracurricular activities like the Guardian Foundation events.  

Read More about Bhyrel John

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Kainaat Imran

DCG’s enrichment programme is the best anywhere says Kainaat

Derby College has the best enrichment programme of any college or school anywhere.

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Ashton Mandaza

GCSE Plus course puts Ashton on pathway to travel nursing career

With perseverance and their help, I’ve overcome my challenges.

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Audrey Mandaza

Audrey is firmly focused on training for career in psychiatry

I do lot of reading at home and the support I’ve had from college has helped me so much with my independent study.  

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Hadi Sabith

Hadi achieves GCSEs he needs to study A-level science subjects

My teachers at JWC really helped me improve my English and I got good grades in my other GCSE subjects too.

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Maya Hussain

GCSE Plus gives Maya second chance to pursue family law career  

The staff at JWC have been lovely, especially my English teacher. She told me how proud she was of me.

Read More about Maya Hussain

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Course Information Last Updated On: October 2, 2024 7:03 pm