Highgrove Education

Highgrove FULL-TIME ONLINE SCHOOL 

Our full-time online school program has a rich education. It develops self-dependent learning skills and offers flexibility and a more individualized way of learning. Alongside our academic program, full-time students take an extended extra-curricular program that improves their skills and experience and grows friendships.

What Are GCSEs?

The General Certificate of Secondary Education are academic qualifications students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland take. These exams are typically taken by students aged 15-16 after two years of study in their final year of secondary school. GCSEs aim to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of various subjects, including sciences, humanities, languages, and creative arts.

The GCSE qualification is essential for students who wish to pursue further education qualifications, such as A-levels and vocational qualifications. GCSEs are also a necessary benchmark of academic achievement, with many employers and universities using them as part of their admission requirements.

GCSEs are graded from nine to one. Nine is the highest, and one is the lowest. The grades awarded are based on the student’s performance in the final exams, coursework, and assessments throughout the two years. Grade 4 is considered a “standard pass,” while grade 5 is considered a “strong pass.”

GCSEs are an essential part of the education system in the UK and serve as a crucial stepping stone for students who wish to pursue further education or employment opportunities. They provide a rigorous and standardized measure of academic achievement, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future academic and career prospects.

What Are A-Levels Qualifications?

A-Levels are a type of academic qualification typically taken by students aged 16-18 after completing their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams. A-Levels are essential for students who wish to pursue higher education or enter the workforce.

A-levels are more specialized than GCSEs, allowing students to study specific subjects in greater depth. Students typically learn three or four A-Level subjects over two years, with exams taken at the end of each year. The subjects cover various academic disciplines, from the sciences and mathematics to humanities, social sciences, and languages.

A-level qualifications are graded from A* to E. A* is the highest, and E is the lowest grade. The grades awarded are based on the student’s performance in the final exams. Many universities and employers use A-Level grades as part of their selection criteria, with certain universities requiring specific grades for admission to certain degree programs.

A-Levels are assessed through written exams, coursework, and practical assessments. Students must have self-discipline and independent study skills to succeed in their A-Level studies.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The Extended Project Qualification allows pupils to dive deep into a topic that captivates them. The course will guide pupils through the skills needed to plan, execute, and evaluate a project, including research, project management, and presentation skills. Pupils will hold regular one-to-one meetings with an Extended Project Supervisor, who will catalyze and facilitate their research process. The Extended Project Qualification can significantly boost a university application. It demonstrates to admissions teams that a pupil possesses crucial skills, including research, critical thinking, and independent study, which are highly valued at the university level. It can also provide evidence of a pupil’s commitment to a specific field or topic, showcasing their passion and dedication. Many universities acknowledge the EPQ in their offers, sometimes reducing grade requirements. The qualification is advantageous for courses that require strong analytical and research skills, such as humanities, social sciences, and other research-intensive fields. Moreover, it can be a differentiator for highly competitive programs or those where a broader perspective is beneficial, such as law, medicine, and engineering.