Qualification Routes

Most students opt for the International GCSE because it is a more straightforward exam to access and does not require a coursework/spoken component. The content otherwise overlaps with the standard GCSE and is academically equivalent. Langauge & Epic is the ideal starting point for English Language studies as the course teaching covers the IGCSE syllabus. Children learn how to approach and analyse a variety of fiction and non-fiction writing, as well as developing their skills in descriptive and imaginative writing. The emphasis on understanding poetry will also prepare the class to tackle an extensive range of literary techniques. 

The subsequent English courses build upon this foundation by developing written responses to exam questions and practically applying the rhetorical techniques through articles and persuasive writing exercises. Essay Skills and The Art of Fiction provide opportunities to grapple with higher-level analysis skills through close reading and learning to construct effective arguments. Students also practise creative writing with guidance on how to approach a descriptive or narrative framework as part of The Art of Fiction. 

Skylarks Learning runs an online English Language IGCSE Revision Week for students who would like additional support in preparing for the exam. Next year this will run Monday 5th to Friday 9th April 2027 and focus on the Pearson Edexcel (Specification B) IGCSE paper, although the content is transferable to other examination boards. The revision week includes daily classes at 9am to cover exam criteria and techniques, followed by an hour’s written assignment to be submitted by midday. Homework is marked and returned in time for the next morning’s lesson in order that students can receive tailored guidance on how to improve their responses. The revision week costs £60 and is only available to children on Skylarks English courses.

English Literature is the focus for both Essay Skills and The Art of Fiction. An English Literature exam syllabus builds upon a child’s ability to engage confidently with language analysis and techniques (as already covered in the Language & Epic course) in order that students can then learn to write effectively about novels, plays and poetry. Examining boards have very similar expectations for literary analysis skills but there will be variations in the texts covered so please check your chosen exam board to see how these will overlap. 

The texts in the Essay Skills course are current exam texts and the course teaching will guide students in how to compose written responses on topics including themes, characterisation and narrative structure. The Art of Fiction then introduces students to classic nineteenth-century novels, which are a core component of English Literature exams. We take time to develop higher-level analysis skills through close reading, as well as delving into the context and ideas that enable students to write confidently on the texts. Students answer a series of past GCSE questions and use their feedback to improve exam technique. We also practise tackling exam topics in class in order to help students better plan their responses. 

The teaching content for a GCSE in History varies greatly depending on the examining board. Skylarks Learning focuses on the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE as this best aligns with a Charlotte Mason approach to studying the history of the 18th to 20th centuries. In preparation for the exam, students are required to choose two topics for depth studies, one breadth study, and one historical investigation.

In line with the IGCSE options, the Age of Revolution history course provides a detailed study of the French Revolution and a breadth study about America (from new nation to divided union, 1783-1877). The World Reshaped then completes the requirements by focusing on a depth study about the unification of Italy and a historical investigation into the origins and course of the First World War. 

Please note that the history courses are both reading groups with no submitted written homework; we practise answering exam questions together in class and students are guided through the examination mark scheme. There is an optional homework supplement (£90 per course) if you would like to include weekly feedback and guidance on written assignments.

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