Senior And Sixth Form

International Curriculum

We offer a number of bespoke courses for international pupils. Please contact us for further information:

Two Year GCSE Programme

At GCSE level, pupils are nurtured every step of the way. Most pupils following the Two Year GCSE Programme will sit ten subject examinations.

Core Subjects

• Biology
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Physics
• English as a First Language with the option of English Literature depending on ability

Additional subjects chosen from:

• Art
• Geography
• Computing
• Design Technology
• History
• Drama
• Music
• English as an Additional Language (EAL)
• Physical Education
• French
• Spanish

There are also classes in Religious Studies and Personal, Social & Health Education.

Entry Requirements:

• A solid academic profile
• Ability to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English - CEFR B1+
• A hand written personal statement
• Copies of last two school reports/grades
• A reference may be requested from a pupil’s current school
• Pupils will be asked to attend an interview at Rendcomb or via video call
• Entrance assessments in English, Mathematics and VRQ

Entrance assessments can be sat by distance by prior arrangement.

One Year GCSE Programme

The One Year (I)GCSE Programme is for academically able pupils who will be given the opportunity to sit a reduced number of GCSEs during the summer term, including Mathematics, English Language, IGCSE English as an Additional Language (EAL), Geography and their first language. Pupils will also take lessons in the three sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics and depending on interest and aptitude, pupils sit GCSE exams in one or more of the sciences.

In addition to these subjects, pupils also select an additional three subjects to study from the following list where the timetable allows:

• Art
• Business BTEC*
• Computing
• Design Technology
• Drama*
• French
• History*
• Music
• Physical Education
• Spanish

It is not possible to take a GCSE examination in the subjects marked with an asterisk (*). A GCSE examination can be taken in the other subjects, if a pupil is able to demonstrate the capacity to achieve at a high level in the reduced time available. This allows the pupils to diversify their subject choices with further opportunities to sit GCSE examinations where a pupil has attained at the level required.

This bespoke programme neatly dovetails into a number of European education systems for those pupils wishing to complete their education in their home country. Latin is available if required by prior arrangement and for an additional charge.

Entry Requirements:

• A solid academic profile
• Ability to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English - CEFR B1+
• A handwritten personal statement
• Copies of last two school reports/grades
• A reference may be requested from a pupil’s current school
• Pupils will be asked to attend an interview at Rendcomb or via video call
• Entrance assessments in English, Mathematics and VRQ

Entrance assessments can be sat by distance by prior arrangement.

Two Year A-Level Programme

Moving to Sixth Form is a new and exciting chapter. At this level, important decisions about the future are made as pupils prepare for the transition to life beyond school. We offer an environment where excellence is nurtured within a safe and supportive community.  When the time comes to make choices about the future, pupils receive individual support from their tutor and the Head of Sixth Form and are prepared for their next adventure.

Pupils take part in enrichment activities including a leadership programme, outdoor education, Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, mentoring through our Buddy Scheme and have volunteering and work experience opportunities.  Pupils can also experience independent living for two one week periods in our dedicated on-site house which helps to prepare them for their onward journey into university and the workplace.

Many students also opt to take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) worth half an A Level which allows them to complete a self-directed and self-motivated project in a subject of their choice; it provides excellent stretch and challenge and is a wonderful preparation for higher level study.

It is normal to study four subjects initially, dropping down to three towards the close of the first term.  Pupils who have the academic ability may continue with four subjects through to the end of Year 13.  A Levels are sat during the summer term of Year 13.

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Travel and Tourism has been added to our Sixth Form provision and is normally studied alongside two A Levels.  It is particularly suited to business, languages and humanties A Level subjects.  The BTEC is worth the equivalent of an A Level, but is delivered in a more vocational style.

Rendcomb pupils leave as articulate, confident and resilient young people able to deal with life’s challenges.  We expect that the vast majority of our students will go on after A Levels to Higher Education at university. The choice for students is enormous and we help students to make that choice through a comprehensive planning programme. In 2016, 95% of our pupils secured places at their chosen universities achieving an average of three As at A Level.  We remain proud of our leavers destinations which in 2016 included some of the most prestigious universities; Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Liverpool, Exeter, and Imperial College London to name but a few.

Pupils may choose from twenty-one A Level subjects and the BTEC in Travel and Tourism or the BTEC in Business Studies:

• Art and Design (Fine Art)
• Biology
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Travel and Tourism 
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business Studies
• Chemistry
• Computing
• Design Technology
• Drama and Theatre Studies
• Economics
• English Literature
• French
• Further Mathematics
• Geography
• History
• Mathematics
• Music
• Music Technology
• Photography
• Physics
• Psychology
• Spanish
• Sport and PE

Academic, Sport, Music, Drama and Art Scholarships can be applied for preceding Year 12.

Entry Requirements:

• IELTS 6.0 determined through entrance assessment or a previously gained IELTS certificate
• Mathematics assessment
• Further Mathematics assessment (if taking subject at A Level)
• BTEC requires good research and ICT skills 
• Copies of last two school reports/transcripts
• Handwritten personal statement
• A reference is required for pupils already studying in the UK
• An interview at Rendcomb or via video call

Entrance Assessments can be sat by distance by prior arrangement.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The EAL department enables international pupils to take advantage of the academic and social opportunities at Rendcomb College by helping them to overcome the barrier of working in a second language and integrating the pupil as fully as possible, and as soon as possible into mainstream school.

All international pupils take EAL during their time at Rendcomb College.  On arrival, students sit the online Oxford Placement Test.  This score, combined with material from their application, allows our department to recommend a weekly number of EAL lessons.  The pupil’s year group and length of stay also factor into these calculations.

Pupils who stay for at least one year are given the opportunity to achieve at least one internationally recognised EAL exam; either PET, FCE, IGCSE or IELTS (which is required as part of their university entry requirements).

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

This examination is taken in the Sixth Form and the pupils are taught by a team of experienced, specialist, IELTS teachers in a dedicated, vibrant department in the MFL hub. All pupils focus on the four components of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening within a topic and skills-based programme. IELTS is a mandatory requirement when applying to an English-Speaking University. Three strong A-Level results with a good IELTS score is a typical entry requirement for a place at a UK University.

Each term all International Sixth Form pupils have the opportunity to take the IELTS exam in order to improve their scores and, meet their university requirements.

IGCSE ESL (English as a Second Language)

This examination is usually taken at the end of Year 11 alongside all other (I) GCSEs and is selected as one of the (I) GCSE options at the beginning of Year 10. The writing component of this examination focuses on summaries, reports, letters and articles, which compliments and supports the IGCSE as a First Language.

FCE (First Certificate in English – British Council B1-C1 level)

Preparation for the FCE is undertaken in Year 10, and pupils can be entered for the external examination at the end of the year.  This Cambridge examination is the most widely taken in the world and is rigorous in testing both grammar and writing skills in particular. This demanding course provides a firm foundation for those about to embark on the IGCSE ESL the following year.

PET (Preliminary Test in English – British Council A2-B2 level)

This Cambridge examination is designed as a foundation level of English and is a good pathway before the start of the (I) GCSE courses supporting well the Key stage 3 curriculum.  Preparation for the PET is undertaken in Years 7-9, and pupils can be entered for the external examination at the end of each year.

Above all, we aim to ensure that EAL students’ experience of education in Britain is stimulating and enjoyable, providing a language skill of life-long value.