GCSE Plus – Remote Programme

The GCSE Plus programme is intended to act as a stepping stone that will enable you to make a successful transition to Level 3 study. It is an academic programme in which most students will aspire to progress to an A-level (or equivalent) pathway. The programme will help you realise your full potential by giving you the skills, confidence and grades necessary to make a successful next step. 

Lessons in this unique remote programme will be delivered via Microsoft Teams and students must have access to a digital device (laptop or PC) and the internet.

English Language and Mathematics are mandatory elements of our remote programme, if you have not already gained those all-important grades of a 4.  Alongside these subjects, this package may include English Literature, History or Media Studies along with a tutorial programme.  

Students interested in this programme will need to choose at least 3 subjects and must express their interest during interview. Importantly, induction, half-termly assessments and final exams will be on-site at the College and students must be able to attend each of these occasions. 

Students may wish to begin their programme remotely and return for a second year to complete additional GCSEs on-site as they seek to stagger a return to face-to-face education ahead of transition to face-to-face Level 3 study.

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 and T-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 and lessons are taught remotely via Microsoft Teams.

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)
• English Literature
• History
• Media Studies (coursework element)

Induction, half-termly assessments and final examinations will be on-site at the College.

Our remote course is accessed via Microsoft Teams, however all assessments will needed to be attended on site at the Joseph Wright Centre.
Students that choose Media Studies will need to attend 1 session per week face to face to complete the coursework element.

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 such as our Big Trip to London in December.

You will need access to the internet and have a digital device.

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 final examinations. 

If you choose Media Studies, you will undertake a coursework element which will form part of your overall grade, along with your examination.

The GCSE Plus programme enables 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.

GCSE qualifications are recognised by employers and apprenticeship providers.

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