Study at Abbey College Cambridge – September 2021

General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSE) represent the first stage on the path to study at a UK university. Many institutions will ask for at least 5 GCSE passes for entry.

In 2020 85% of GCSEs awarded to Abbey College Cambridge students achived grades 9-6 (A** – B).

September 2021 GCSE study options

Why study GCSEs?

Depending on the duration of studies, GCSE students will take between 6-8 subjects. GCSEs provide a great ‘grounding’, offering students a wide breadth of subjects. time to familiarise themselves with the UK education system and improve their English (English Language is a compulsory GCSE subject). GCSEs also provide a natural pathway to A Levels, and students who have taken them tend to perform better in higher level examination.

How are they taught?   

GCSE course content is broken up into units, each unit is taught in a linear structure, with an emphasis on understanding the connection between topics within the wider context of the subject.

Assessment

GCSEs are assessed by an end of course exam. Some subjects will also include coursework or practical work.

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Advanced Level courses, commonly known as ‘A Levels’ are the most widely recognised qualification for entry to UK universities.

In 2020, 83% of A Levels awarded to Abbey College Cambridge students achieved grades A* – A.

September 2021 A Level study options

Why study A Levels?

Most students will take 3 or 4 A Level subjects over the duration of their studies. A Levels offer a good balance between subject specialisation and choice, allowing students to focus on the subject that really interest them, whilst maintaining a breadth of subject choice. A Levels also offer progression the widest range of universities, and are the best options for students looking to join a top-ranked university.

 How are they taught?

Course content is divided into different sections, and students are encouraged to develop and understand the links between them. Learning is underpinned by the key concepts of the skills of the subject, with a strong focus on their practical real world application.

 Assessment

A Levels have a linear structure, which means that all exams take place at the end of the final year. Most A Level subjects are assessed by written examination unless the course has a large practical element (such as in Art and Science).

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Our International Foundation Programme (IFP) is an intensive year 13 academic programme that offers international students direct entry to a wide range of UK universities.

In 2020, Abbey College Cambridge students achieved an average overall score of 75% on our foundation programme.

September 2021 International Foundation Programme Study options

Why study International Foundation Programme?

Unlike many foundation programmes, our destinations are not limited to a choice of one or two partner universities. This means students are free to progress to a wide range of UK universities, including many top-ranked institutions.

How are they taught?

The programme offers a range of subject-related pathways, which give access to complementary subjects at university. Each pathway is made up of a number of modules, depending on which pathway you choose you might have a choice of modules, they may be all compulsory, or a mix of elective and compulsory modules.

Assessment

Each module is assessed individually, with three assessment points through each term. Students will achieve an average score.

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