Curriculum 13+

Our Fourth Form is the gateway to College learning. We encourage inquisitive minds, inspire confidence, and provide challenging activities outside the classroom.

Only maths is setted in Fourth Form, so pupils learn in a mixed ability environment. This means they get to know their peers, and we see friendships develop that last beyond their time at the College. Each lesson provides support for learning, and pupils are guided by dedicated Form Tutors and Housemistresses or Housemasters. The year is colourful and exciting - it's the perfect foundation for a Brighton journey.

When do I choose my GCSE subjects?

Pupils experience a wide range of subjects, enabling them to later choose their favourites for GCSEs.

GCSE subjects are chosen through the three terms of the Fourth Form. There is a presentation for parents and pupils in the first term to guide you through the process, followed by a parents' evening with individual appointments per subject. Pupils are encouraged to create a shortlist of preferences that is then whittled down during the year with support from tutors. These choices are finalised after summer exams, ready for pupils to start their chosen courses in the Lower Fifth.
What creative and practical subjects are available at GCSE?

We have a busy arts life at the College. Dance, art, photography, design and technology, drama and music are all available at GCSE. Physical education is considered a practical subject.

Computing is also a practical subject, and all pupils complete a compulsory short course on coding. This provides pupils with a technical language they can use in a vocational setting. For pupils who are passionate about coding we offer a longer course, which includes content on Python, Unity Games Development, JavaScript, CISCO and SQL.
Does everyone learn Mandarin?

Many pupils choose Mandarin because it is compulsory in the Third Form (Years 7 and 8) and is a large subject at Brighton. It is also a popular university degree subject.

However, in the Fourth Form everyone chooses two languages from a long list that includes Mandarin, Russian, Latin and German, so pupils can specialise in what interests them most.
How many languages can I do at GCSE?

As a part of the wide selection of subjects available, Fourth Form pupils benefit from a range of language options. These include Mandarin, French, German, Russian, Latin, Greek and Spanish.

Most pupils do at least one or two - some study three. Our GCSE results for these are consistently excellent, and many pupils choose to continue their language choices at A-level.

Presentation skills

This course, unique to Brighton College, covers practical skills such as speech writing, as well as the opportunity to study of some of the great speeches of history. Posture, breathing and intonation are all covered as well as voice modulation and speech analysis.

We teach all the skills necessary for both formal and informal presentations, to both small and large audiences, with props and without. Our new Creative Learning Centre allows us to film and play back presentations so that all of our pupils can assess and improve in both ability and confidence.

13+ GCSE results

Brighton College pupils’ public exam results are consistently excellent. Last summer was no different, with 90% of pupils achieving 9-7(A*A).

GCSE Results