INTERNATIONAL CURRICULUM
GCSE PROGRAMME
The GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a key program during Key Stage 4 in schools across England. It is designed to prepare students for the IGCSE exams, which serve as a significant first milestone on their educational journey.

Typically, students take GCSE exams in various subjects, with choices depending on their interests and academic goals. However, there are several core subjects that all students must take, including English, mathematics, and the sciences. RIS Year 11 students have the opportunity to choose from a wider range of subjects according to their academic interests.

The GCSE program not only equips students with essential knowledge and skills but also prepares them for more advanced stages of education, such as A-Levels and university admission. It plays a critical role in shaping students' educational foundations and helps them identify their preferences and goals for the future.
Mandatory subjects:
English Language
Covers reading skills, text analysis, writing and speaking, and the study of classic and contemporary literature.
Mathematics
The study of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and statistics, developing analytical and logical skills.
Science
This course comprises three disciplines - biology, chemistry and physics, with an emphasis on theoretical and practical knowledge.
Optional subjects
In addition to compulsory subjects, students have the opportunity to choose additional subjects that match their interests and academic goals.
  • History
    Study of key historical events, personalities and processes. The learning process includes analysing sources and discussing historical interpretations.
  • Business and Economics
    Fundamentals of business, management, finance and economic principles. Pupils study entrepreneurship, economic planning and market mechanisms.
  • ICT
    Information technology basics, including working with computers, programming, creating digital content, and using technology to solve problems.
  • PE
    Exercises and sporting activities to maintain physical health and develop co-ordination.
  • Design & Technology
    Creative and practical application of knowledge through project activities.
  • Art
    Study of different types of artistic expression, drawing, painting and sculpture techniques.
How to Choose Subjects?
Students are given a degree of flexibility when selecting their GCSE subjects. They can choose from a broad range of subjects, including humanities, sciences, languages, and the arts. This allows each student to create a unique combination of subjects that reflects their interests and future goals.
When selecting subjects, students should consider several important factors.

Firstly, they should focus on their strengths and interests. Choosing subjects where a student excels and has genuine enthusiasm will help them achieve better results and maintain motivation throughout their studies.

Secondly, future career plans should also be considered. Students should think about which subjects might be useful for their chosen profession or field of interest. For example, if a student wants to become an engineer, it would be beneficial to choose subjects related to mathematics and physics.
Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to the requirements of universities or future employers. Some academic institutions or employers may have specific preferences for GCSE subjects. Therefore, it makes sense to research the requirements and recommendations of various educational institutions and professional fields.

At Russian International School (RIS), the individual approach to learning enables students to create a tailored educational program that meets their needs and helps them succeed in both the GCSE exams and their future academic and professional careers.

How Are Exams Conducted?
The GCSE grading system is based on a numerical scale. Typically, this scale ranges from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest grade and 1 being the lowest.

During the grading process, examiners assess students’ work, looking at how well the tasks were completed, how closely they meet the requirements, and the quality of the responses. Each response or task is assigned a score based on pre-defined assessment criteria.

9 – Exceptional grade, reflecting outstanding knowledge and skills.
8 – Excellent grade, showing strong knowledge and skills.
7 – High grade, indicating good understanding and achievement.
6 – Solid grade, demonstrating a satisfactory understanding and competence.
5 – Average grade, reflecting basic understanding and meeting of the requirements.
4 – Satisfactory grade, indicating the achievement of minimum standards.
3 – Weak grade, suggesting limited understanding and performance.
2 – Very weak grade, reflecting minimal understanding and skills.
1 – Insufficient grade, showing a lack of understanding and skills.

Students receive separate grades for each subject they take in their GCSE exams.
Personalised Academic Itinerary
  • Goal setting
    Students work with their tutor to identify their goals and benchmarks for GCSE examinations, from which an individualised pathway is developed.
  • Selection of subjects
    Students choose the subjects they want to take in GCSE examinations based on their interests, abilities and academic goals. This allows them to focus on those subjects that are most important and relevant to their further education and career.
  • Curriculum development
    An individual study plan is developed on the basis of the chosen subjects and objectives. It includes a timetable, study materials, assignments and preparation for examinations.
  • Individualised learning and support
    An important part of the individual route is the personalisation of learning and support from teachers and tutors. Students receive instruction, explanation and feedback from their teachers to help them deepen their knowledge and skills. They can also seek additional help or guidance if they encounter difficulties.
  • Assessing and tracking progress
    Students' progress is assessed and monitored throughout the learning process. Assessing progress helps students and their teachers to identify strengths and areas for additional work.

An individual academic pathway is an important part of the GCSE programme. At Russian International School we place great importance on creating a unique academic pathway for each student, taking into account their interests, abilities and career goals, as well as the requirements of the universities to which they plan to apply.

Through a serious approach to education, RIS students have the opportunity to attend top universities around the world.

Our graduates confidently embark on the educational path to such prestigious educational institutions as UCL and King's College London in the UK, York University in Canada, School of Higher Economics in the Czech Republic, International University of Monaco in France, School of Art Institute of Chicago in the USA, Higher School of Economics, Moscow State University and MGIMO in Russia and others.

This shows that RIS students successfully pass the exams and get high enough academic results to enter the best universities in different countries of the world.