Elective Home Educated GCSE Programme

We have two options for home-educated students looking to study GCSEs at Nottingham College. Our first option is the GCSE 14–16 programme, which gives students the opportunity to study 3–4 GCSEs from a choice of over 10 subjects, including Biology, English, Sociology, History and Art. Our second option focuses on developing students’ academic skills and confidence through GCSE English and Maths, alongside engaging project-based learning to support their wider development.

Both programmes run for one academic year, with entry determined by the results of our initial assessment. Please read below for further details about each option.

GCSE Programme:

Our EHE GCSE Programme gives students the opportunity to study 3-4 GCSE subjects over the period of an academic year, with students sitting GCSE exams in May/June. Each GCSE will be taught for 4 hours each week (split into two 2-hour blocks across the week), and students will have an opportunity to choose from 13 subjects.

What will be studied?

Students can choose from a list of 13 subjects, which all follow AQA specifications. These subjects include:

• GCSE English Language
• GCSE Maths
• GCSE Art
• GCSE Drama
• GCSE Business
• GCSE History
• GCSE Religious Studies
• GCSE Sociology
• GCSE Psychology
• GCSE Biology
• GCSE Chemistry
• GCSE Physics
• GCSE Geography

It is advised that students choose English and/or Maths has part of their subject selection. If you join us in the equivalent of Year 10, you can study either English or Maths in the first year and the other in second year. If you join us in the equivalent of Year 11, you can study both in the same year.

Personal and social development sessions

Students will have a 1-hour PSD session each week with their Pastoral Tutor. Sessions will cover a variety of topics, alongside helping students set targets throughout the year, and work with them to establish how they will achieve them. They will also work with students to establish progression goals, and will work with them when applying for future courses.

What will a typical week look like?

Individual timetables will vary depending on the number of subjects chosen, and when those subjects are timetables to be taught. Students will be at college for either 13 or 17 hours a week (depending on how many subjects are chosen), and students will typically have at least one day off a week (subject choice depending). Students will typically have breaks throughout their day, and may have varied start times throughout the week. 

Core GCSE Programme:

Our Core GCSE Programme offers a supportive and structured learning environment, combining a flexible approach to learning with a clear focus on academic progression. Students study GCSE English and Maths alongside engaging project-based learning, helping them to develop their wider skills and knowledge. Designed for students who are keen to progress academically, the programme provides a gradual and supportive introduction to the classroom, helping learners build confidence, independence and the foundations needed for future success.

What will be studied?

GCSE English and GCSE Maths

On our Core GCSE course, students will have the opportunity to study AQA GCSE English Language and AQA GCSE Maths, with students sitting exams in May/June. There will be a strong focus on building knowledge and skills, and giving students vital exam experience. Students will then be able to build on these skills if they need to continue studying GCSE English and GCSE Maths the following year, or they can explore further GCSE or Vocational options if they achieve a grade 4. 

Academic Development Sessions

In addition to working towards GCSE English and GCSE Maths, students will also have the opportunity to experience introductions to other GCSE subjects taught within the department. This will give students an understanding of these subjects, enabling them to make informed choices if they wish to continue onto further GCSE study with us. They will also develop core academic skills in these sessions, such as note taking, and organisation, which are fundamental skills necessary for GCSE success. Running over each half-term, students will receive introductions to the following subjects:

• Sociology
• Religious Studies
• History
• Psychology
• Geography

Personal and social development sessions

Alongside this, students will have a variety of personal and social development sessions, focused on building core skills such as IT skills, communication, and teamwork. There will be a number of project-based tasks throughout the year which will enable students to develop these skills, whilst engaging with a variety of interesting topics.

Examples include:

• Designing and maintaining the college garden
• Creating a business plan and presenting to others
• Sustainability projects including bee hotel building and climate action plans

Students will also have one tutorial session a week with their Personal Tutor. They will be responsible for helping students set targets throughout the year, and work with them to establish how they will achieve them. They will also work with students to establish progression goals, and will work with them when applying for future courses.

What will a typical week look like?

Students will be timetabled for 13 hours a week, which is broken down below. Students will usually have at least one day off a week, and will typically have breaks between lessons throughout the day. 

• GCSE English Language- 4 hours
• GCSE Maths- 4 hours
• Academic Development Sessions- 2 hours
• Personal and Social Development Sessions- 2 hours
• Tutorial- 1 hour

Students will also have the option to study one of our half-day short courses for home educated students (timetable permitting). These include:

• Art and Design
• Creative Media