GCSE & A-LEVEL

GCSE and A-level classes

PREPARATION FOR THE GCSE EXAM

In the classes in preparation for the exam, much attention is paid not only to covering all the topics included in the exam, but also to practicing and developing the use of one's accumulated knowledge, the ability to use vocabulary, write correctly and, most importantly, to demonstrate coherence of thought and correct grammatical constructions. The objective of the course is to teach students to maintain communication in the chosen context.

We are accommodating to parents and children who wish to take GCSE earlier, for example, in the 10th grade. This is due to the very heavy workload of children preparing for other exams in the 11th grade. As a rule, our course begins at the age of 12-13. We also take into account that some exam topics are designed for 16-year-old students, for example, a description of work practice or reflections on this topic.

Getting an excellent grade in exams is only one of the goals. The main thing is that we try very hard to develop in children a good ability to write essays on a variety of topics. At this stage, we are already thinking about the goal of passing the A-level exam well, creating a large reserve of knowledge and time.

PREPARATION FOR THE A-LEVEL EXAM

To enter a prestigious British university, you usually need high grades in three or four subjects at A-Level. An additional A-level in Russian usually increases your chances of entering a university with a recognized reputation or finding a suitable job. This exam will require a fairly deep knowledge of the Russian language. The exam consists of three detailed modules of different nature, focused on testing the skills of writing and speaking, reading, listening and translation.

The topics of the course are the development of Russian society, political and artistic culture in the Russian-speaking world, social problems and changes in the life of a modern Russian city. The course program also includes the study of modern Russian political history of the late 20th century: the period of perestroika and the collapse of the USSR.

The choice of literary and cinematographic works for writing an essay is limited to a list of eight works, which include works of classical and modern literature, as well as significant films of the last decades by famous Soviet and Russian directors. Students must thoroughly study the works they have chosen during the exam preparation. The exam requires answering either two questions on literary works, or one literary question and one cinematographic question. It is necessary to be able to conduct a literary and critical analysis of the selected works, as well as demonstrate an understanding of the social and historical context of the studied works.

Students must be able to conduct independent research work to collect and analyze factual material when studying the realities of Russian society, as well as when preparing an individual project for the oral exam. The student makes a presentation on the issue under study, referring to the relevant works of at least two authors, shows the key points of his/her research and participates in a lively discussion with the examiner.

During exam preparation classes, students will be helped to navigate the program material, taught how to write literary essays, and given direction when working on an independent oral project. Students will also be offered many training exercises to practice reading, listening comprehension, and mastering translation skills from Russian and English.

Registration for the exam. You need to write an application to your child's primary English school asking to register him or her for the Russian language exam in the spring-summer of next year. October-November is the best time for this - schools have already sorted out the beginning of the school year, and the end of registration is still quite far away. Do everything in advance.

When you sign up for a GCSE exam, you need to indicate in your application that your child will be taking the exam at Pearson (the only Russian language board in the UK) and that they will be taking the exam in the Higher Tier format. The new specification includes a simplified version of the exam, which is obviously not for our students.

When registering for an A Level exam, you must state on your application that your child will be taking a full A Level (not an AS) at Pearson.

Sometimes schools that agree to organize an exam ask to provide a letter from a Russian language teacher, assess the level and give the expected grade on the exam. We, of course, support our children and provide such letters.