Qualification Routes

To complete the required study for the IGCSE/GCSE, children will need to take the following courses: 

English Language = English Language and the Epic followed by Essay Skills.

English Literature = Essay Skills followed by The Art of Fiction.

History = Age of Revolution followed by The World Reshaped.

Please note that the exam booking is not included in the courses and will need to be arranged separately via an exam centre.

Most students opt for the International GCSE because it is a more straightforward exam to access and does not require a coursework component. The content otherwise overlaps with the standard GCSE and is academically equivalent. English Langauge & the Epic is the ideal starting point for English Language studies; the teaching will cover the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE (Specification B) syllabus, and this content is transferable to other examining boards. Children will 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 Essay Skills course completes the required learning for an English Language qualification and ensures that the children have had plenty of practice in composing thorough responses to exam questions. Children who complete Essay Skills will also have embarked upon the learning process for an English Literature GCSE.

The English Literature exam builds upon many of the skills covered in the English Language exam and encourages students to engage with 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 cover the necessary material for themes, characterisation and language study. The Art of Fiction then provides a focus on the classic 19th century novel, which is a core component of English Literature exams. We delve 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. Optional online workshops will be run in January/February for two modern texts and poetry anthologies (AQA and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE).

The teaching content for History GCSE 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 will practise answering exam questions together in class and students will be guided through the examination mark scheme.

Skylarks Learning prioritises a Charlotte Mason approach to education. All courses follow this method and, where appropriate, the content is shaped to include up-to-date exam criteria. This framework enables parents to align their child's learning with qualifications for future study or employment, and provides a more meaningful learning environment in contrast to courses where exam benchmarks are the primary focus. There isn't a textbook in sight but the syllabus material is covered through the lesson activities and homework reading schedule. Children are then ready to complete the final stage of revision and exam practice independently.