GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education, and they are part of the national curriculum. Typically, GCSEs are studied between the ages of 14-16 in years 10 and 11.

Waltham Forest College's GCSE courses are studied as a package for those who are new to the country or those who achieved a Grade 3 in their English and maths GCSEs in Year 11.

The entry requirements for this course are:

This GCSE course is open to those who are new to the country or those who achieved a Grade 3 in their English and maths GCSEs in Year 11.

No prior study of Citizenship is necessary.

For those new to the country, there will be an entrance assessment to complete. This is common to the GCSE programme and not for this subject individually.

This course consists of the following:

Rights and Responsibilities: Explore the rights and responsibilities of individuals, communities and governments within society. Topics may include human rights, the rule of law and civic duties.

Politics and Participation: Investigate the political system of the United Kingdom including the electoral process, political parties and the role of Parliament. Understand how citizens can engage with and influence decision-making processes.

Global Issues and Citizenship: Analyse global challenges such as poverty, inequality and climate change and consider the role of citizenship in addressing these issues. Explore concepts of sustainability, social justice and global interdependence.

Social and Moral Issues: Examine contemporary social and moral dilemmas including issues related to identity, diversity and discrimination. Foster empathy, tolerance and respect for different perspectives within society.

The assessment comprises two exam papers, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes, and a non-exam assessment (NEA) component.

The exam papers assess students' knowledge and understanding of citizenship issues through a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-writing questions.

The NEA component requires students to undertake an active citizenship project, where they identify, research and take action on a real-life issue within their community. This project is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Our Student Common Room is a great place to unwind and relax during your breaks. It features pool tables, table tennis, a gaming corner and lots of comfy sofas so you can refresh before your next lesson. 

Themed events are held in the Common Room so you can get the best experience of being a Waltham Forest College student.

Work experience will be sourced for learners on this pathway at the end of their GCSE study. This is owing to the intense study and limited time ahead of externally assessed examinations.

Completion of GCSE Citizenship equips students with valuable skills and knowledge applicable to a wide range of academic and vocational pathways.

Students may choose to pursue further study in subjects such as politics, law, sociology or international relations at A Level or equivalent. Alternatively, this qualification provides a strong foundation for careers in public service, law, advocacy, social work and community development.

Regardless of their chosen path, students emerge from this course with a heightened awareness of their rights and responsibilities as citizens and a commitment to active participation in society.

Waltham Forest College is a vibrant and aspirational college and will support you to reach your career aspirations. Last year 96% of learners progressed onto a positive destination either to higher levels of study, employment, or an Apprenticeship.