Limited number GCSEs

[Bonkus]

Relocating to the UK from the US and my DS is applying to a regular boarding school (not a crammer) that offers GCSEs in a year. The school is focused on ensuring that while the students get exposure to a broad curriculum the goal is really good grades in a limited number of core subjects. While they can study a few more subjects, the program recommends only 5 GCSEs. DS will likely stay on in the same school and proceed with either A levels or IB and the plan is to proceed to a UK university.

Appreciate hearing thoughts on the limited number GCSEs and if any potential implications.

Thanks

[Astronotus]

OP. 2018 will be the first year with a larger content in many GCSEs, particularly the sciences. It may be just too much to expect your DS to cover these in one year and in a,presumably, private boarding school year which may have fewer teaching weeks than other types of UK schools.

[BubblesBuddy]

5 would not be good enough for the best universities one would have thought. It would limit A level choices and make IB more difficult. I would advocate a private school but go into Y10. Many are used to taking children from other countries and will not blink at a child being in another year group. Its the norm for many where the children are ESL.

If they have space they will be glad to see him. Cramming in one year does not make much sense and will limit the best opportunities for higher education.