Teaching and learning at GCSE
“The way the subject is taught makes me interested and eager to find out more.”
– U5 pupil
As you progress from U4 to L5, you will be exerting considerable choice in constructing a personalised programme of study through the selection of your GCSE subject options. This inevitably means the teaching and learning experience will differ considerably as you mature.
While the strong pastoral system of form groups you are familiar with continues, academic lessons are now solely taught in subject groups. This means you will be working alongside others with similar interests as you develop and engage at a deeper level with your chosen subjects, all of which are taught by specialists who are experts in their fields. Greater emphasis is placed on independent learning skills, building research skills and refining your understanding. Furthermore, there is a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including visits and trips, specialist clubs, lectures and participation in regional and national competitions.
“I love the School and always have - it has the perfect balance of work, motivation and extra-curricular activities”
– L5 pupil
“Headington School very successfully achieves its aim of providing a stimulating, enriching and empowering education for all its pupils. The quality of academic and other achievements is excellent throughout the School. The quality of teaching is excellent and contributes positively to the pupils’ success.”
– ISI Inspection Report
While GCSE courses are demanding and challenging, you will receive plenty of support from your subject teachers. Regular assessments and reporting to both you and your parents will ensure you are aware of where you are succeeding and how you can further improve your performance. This is vital as you go on to think about future study in the Sixth Form and beyond.
This support is illustrated by comments from girls within the School:
“I am pleased that I chose the courses here as the teachers have been very supportive.”
“Everybody has a different approach to a subject and the teacher personally knows your strengths and weaknesses.”
“I am given ways I can improve different aspects, so when we get round to exam time I have the ability to do the best I can using all my targets and improvements from classwork and prep.”
At Headington Rye Oxford we pride ourselves on offering a strong academic education as well as opportunities for developing well-rounded and confident young women.
The importance of strong GCSE examination results cannot be underestimated and these results are increasingly used by university admissions tutors as their first screening tool. Achieving a strong academic profile is very important, as universities tell us they are more concerned with the grades than the subject themselves.
The selection of GCSE options must therefore be based on aptitude as well as interest in order to give the best possible chances of future success.
We are very proud that we help our girls achieve excellent results at GCSE every year, thereby equipping them for successful Sixth Form study. The majority of pupils obtain A* or A, or 7-9, grades in their subjects.
GCSE results are awarded on a scale of 9-1, with 9 being the highest. The only exception to this is Food and Nutrition (IGCSE), graded A*-U.
