FAQs
Courses and Applications

What are GCSEs and A Levels?
In England, GCSE examinations are usually taken when a student is in Year 11 (15 -16 years old), and A Level examinations are taken in Year 13 (17-18 years old).

What are they used for?
GCSEs give basic knowledge in a broad range of subjects, and five GCSE passes allow you to study for A Levels.  At A Level, students start to specialise and study 3-4 subjects in greater depth. A Levels are the qualification that will gain you entry to British universities.

Why is David Game College a good choice for my GCSEs or A Levels?
We are a leading pre-university College for international students. The College was set up more than 30 years ago, and each year nearly 300 of our students go on to enter British universities. Our teachers are very experienced in helping students get excellent results, and we will give you the best advice on applying to university in the UK.

Do I need to take GCSEs if I have overseas qualifications?
The High School Leaving Certificate of many countries is seen as equivalent to GCSE exams. Coming from certain countries you will not need to take GCSEs if you have good scores from Year 11 or Year 12. We specialise in helping international students enter the British education system, and we will give you individual advice on whether you should take GCSEs.

How long will it take to do my GCSEs?
It is possible to do 5 GCSEs in one academic year (September- June). If you need to study more than five subjects, we may advise you to take two years. If you only need to take one or two GCSEs, you can take them alongside your AS Levels, in the first year of A Level studies. We also offer an intensive GCSE re-take course (September- November) for students who want to improve their grades.

Which GCSE subjects should I study?
All British universities require that you have passed Mathematics and English at GCSE or equivalent level. International students can take the IGCSE English, but we may advise you to aim for a high score in IELTS instead as some universities prefer this. Your other GCSE choices will depend on your study and career goals, and we will advise you on which subjects are the best for you.

What are the GCSE pass grades?
Grades A*, A, B and C are passes at GCSE and recognised by universities. Students with grades D, E and G also get certificates, although British universities do not consider these grades to be passes.

How important are my GCSE subjects and grades when I apply to university?
Most universities accept 5 GCSE passes, but some will want higher grades or more subjects, and for some of the universities, your GCSE subjects and grades can be very important. For Medicine, for example, you will need a good GCSE profile mostly with a high proportion of A and A* grades.

Do I need to take A Levels if I want to go to a good university in the UK?
Taking A Levels will improve your chances of going on to study at a top British university, and A Levels will also gain you entry into the second year of some US universities. Many of the best universities in the UK prefer the A Level system as it allows students to study fewer subjects in much greater depth. If you want to study at top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial or UCL, or apply for competitive degree courses such as Medicine or Law, you will need to take A Levels.

The College also runs the University Foundation Programme (UFP) which is a one-year alternative to A Levels. If you are interested in this course, click here.

Will taking A Level at David Game College help me get into university?
Yes! All A Level students are given individual support and advice to help them to make the best choice of A Levels, universities and degree courses, and to guide them through the UCAS universities application process. At our College, A Level students from around the world achieve excellent results in their examinations, and many of them go on to study at the best British universities. Last year over 30% of our A Level students entered British universities which were placed in the top 6 of the Times league table, and over 40% entered universities which are placed in the Times Top 20.

How many A Levels should I take?
Students normally take three subjects at A Level which are most relevant for the degree course they want to study. Students aiming for competitive universities or degrees often need to take a fourth subject at AS (Advanced Subsidiary) level: we can give you individual advice about this.       

What is an AS Level and what is A2 Level?
Each A Level is made up of 4* units, which are tested by examination and sometimes coursework. Students can take the AS units only and receive certification for an AS (Advanced Subsidiary) level.To get a full A Level certificate, students need to take the requisite number of AS and A2 units; the A2 papers are of a higher academic standard than AS..

*except Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics - 6 units per A level subject in each case, i.e. 3 units at AS level and 3 units at A2.

For entry into the more competitive degree courses such as Law, Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy, it is generally advisable to take four AS Levels and then go on to take the A2 units in three subjects..

How long do courses last at David Game College? 
For A Levels and GCSEs, the courses can be taken over 1, 1.5 or 2 years, starting in September or January. The University Foundation Programme (UFP)also commences in September or January, and is an intensive course lasting 32 weeks.

Does the College offer any bursaries or scholarships?  
There are a number of scholarships and bursaries available at David Game College, which are given at the discretion of the Principal.

Can I change a subject after starting a class? 
Sometimes students realise that one of the subjects that they have initially chosen is not suitable for them. We offer a two-three week flexibility period at the start of term during which a student can change a subject (after a discussion with the College) if they feel another subject is more appropriate.

Can we get extra tuition outside class time?
Yes, we can arrange private tuition for you. Students sometimes benefit from a few additional hours of individual attention, especially before exams or if they have missed classes because of illness or travel.

Will I be interviewed or have to sit an admissions test? 
The College policy is to interview all students and parents where possible as it is a good opportunity to gain valuable information from both sides. However, sometimes international students who are unable to attend an interview are contacted and their study requirements discussed via a telephone consultation or by email. They can then be admitted based on previous examination results and school transcripts.

How much homework and exam practice should I expect?
This will obviously depend on the number of subjects you are taking, but students should expect an average of 10 hours of homework per week, including test revision.

Do we get a lunch break?
Yes, but it is not at a set time in the day. Your break times depend on your particular timetable. We have an on-site cafeteria which serves hot and cold food and drinks, and there are many cafes, sandwich bars and restaurants in Notting Hill Gate where you can get a quick meal.

How many hours per week should I expect on my timetable?
A Level intensive students will have 6 hours per week per subject with additional hours for practicals (if applicable). GCSE and 2-year A Level students should expect 4 hours per week per subject. UFP students will have around 20 hours of lessons per week, which they are expected to supplement with up to 15 hours' private study.