GCSE is the acronym for the General Certificate of Secondary Education. Examination boards based in the UK include AQA, EDEXCEL and Cambridge. GCSEs are designed to examine all ability ranges with grades ranging from G to A* (A* is the highest level of attainment) for current GCSEs and a new scoring system of 1-9 was introduced for new GCSEs in Maths and English in 2015 and other subjects in 2016.

Students at Jumeirah College typically study between 9 and 11 GCSEs. We set aspirational and realistic targets with our students which ensure that the vast majority achieve well in excess of average attainment.

The compulsory National Curriculum for England subjects are: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, PSHCE and Core Physical Education. The optional subjects are Arabic, Art & Design, Business Studies, Computing, Design Technology, Drama, Economics, French, Spanish, Geography, History, ICT, Music, Physical Education, Psychology and Islamic Studies. Students must choose four optional subjects.

Many GCSE courses have an element of coursework known as Controlled Assessment which is prepared in class and at home but completed under examination conditions in College. Tasks are marked by our teachers then externally moderated by the examination board. All Controlled Assessments must be completed before examinations can be undertaken.

GCSE’s feature a new grading scale that uses the numbers 1–9 to identify levels of performance (with 9 being the top level). Examinations will take place at the end of the two years of study in the final term of Year 11. Re-sit opportunities are available in November for English Language and Maths only.

The Jumeirah College careers programme enables students to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make confident, informed and reasoned decisions about their future. During KS4, students will complete a week of work experience, participate in one-to-one careers guidance, engage in work shadowing opportunities, gain access to careers related resources and visit university fairs.

The aim of the careers programme is for all students to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make confident, informed and reasoned decisions about their university applications, their career paths and their futures.

Our enriched activity programme has expanded, with staff bringing their own skills and talents to an already wide and varied list of activities. Through these activities, JC students learn new skills, build on existing ones and interact with students and staff in a different environment. All students participate in at least two clubs or activities each term.

Currently, sports ECAs include Netball, Rugby, Badminton, Swimming, Running, Cricket, Football, Athletics, Table Tennis, Duathlon, Tennis, Trampolining and Crossfit.

Non-sport ECAs include Technology, Media, French, Poetry, Singing, Model United Nations, Orchestra, Art, Digital Art, Drama, Photography, Dance, Reading, Textiles, Spanish, Maths, Science, Arabic, Rock Climbing, Debating, Sailing and Pilates.