A Love of Learning

Our English department aims to instil pupils with a love of literature and language, with most lessons being discussion-based. Pupils are encouraged to express an informed personal response to a range of texts and are taught how to improve their analytical and creative writing skills, developing arguments with accuracy, fluency and sophistication.

In Maths, we nurture confidence and develop pupils' fluency in numeracy and algebra, teaching strategies to help pupils improve their ability to solve problems and reflect on their answers. We offer both Maths and Further Maths at GCSE. 

We strive to make the learning of Biology, Chemistry and Physics relevant and engaging by employing a wide range of demonstrations and experimental work. By instilling a desire to understand and question the complexities and workings of the world around us and taking pupils beyond the syllabus, pupils develop their problem-solving and analytical skills, and achieve the highest academic standards. Pupils follow either combined or separate sciences to GCSE. 

Geography is a subject for the naturally inquisitive. At GCSE, it is a mix of social and physical sciences combining study of the planet’s physical properties with a focus on societies and how they interact. Through the course, pupils will develop secure knowledge about a range of places, and will investigate the challenges facing humanity today. 

Studying History at GCSE provides an in-depth understanding of some of the powerful forces and ideas that have shaped and continue to shape our world. History is a subject that stirs the imagination and encourages the ability to debate interpretations and evaluate evidence.

A fundamental understanding of computing enables pupils to be not just educated users of technology, but innovators capable of designing new computers and programmes to improve the quality of life for everyone. Computing is not only intellectually stretching, it also teaches problem-solving and leads to multiple career paths. 

Pupils who are interested in contemporary issues, like to ask difficult questions, enjoy engaging in discussion, and are prepared to have their views held up for scrutiny, are eminently qualified for this course. GCSE Religious Studies is an exploration of how religious and non-religious thinkers have tackled thorny ethical and philosophical issues.

The GCSE Mandarin course ensures pupils have a strong grasp of the formal written language, able to write in Chinese about a variety of topics and verbally express their opinions fluently and accurately. Pupils develop an awareness of Chinese culture and lifestyles, and are also involved in activities ranging from Tai Chi to calligraphy to Chinese cooking and lion dancing. 

French is an official language in 28 countries, and is the only language other than English spoken on five continents. The French department offers challenging and enjoyable activities and a stimulating environment in which pupils can fully develop their language and communication skills in a lively and vibrant setting.

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world after Mandarin, with 350 million speakers in 21 countries. It is an excellent language to study for business, culture and pleasure. The aim of the course is to give pupils the confidence to communicate in Spanish through acquiring a sound grasp of the grammar, language and a broad range of vocabulary.

The opportunity to study Russian at school is still rare in the UK. During the GCSE course, we focus on using practical language, so that pupils can just as easily make Russian friends on social media as they can order a meal in a restaurant. There are a wide variety of enjoyable and stimulating activities and games to bring the language to life in the classroom. 

With Germany, Switzerland and Austria being considered important trading partners of the UK, German is often seen as the smart choice for those seeking to maximise their employment prospects. The German department offers challenging and enjoyable activities and a stimulating environment in which pupils can fully develop their language and communication skills. 

By studying Latin or Greek, pupils gain a greater insight into a world remote from, yet so important to, our own; a world that forms the basis of modern politics, history and philosophy, and brings pupils to question their own values closely. At Brighton College, it is possible to continue with just Latin or to take a rigorous and intensive course known as Gratin, which combines Latin with Greek.

Art combines the academic study of art and design with the development of creativity and practical skills. Pupils are introduced to a range of media, and this creative breadth allows them to discover their natural ability and strengths. 

Pupils who enjoy thinking creatively, problem solving, designing products, making models, manufacturing products or testing ideas, will enjoy and flourish in GCSE DT. The course is based around learning and developing the skills required to design and make products manufactured in woods, metals and plastics. Pupils use a wide range of creative industrial processes to shape and form materials into functioning products.

The Photography GCSE course combines the academic study of photography with the development of creativity and practical skills through recording, developing, experimenting and the production of a series of final piece images. The course teaches digital photography, analogue photography, darkroom photography, Photoshop and film.

Dance challenges pupils physically and academically, and helps build confidence and self-esteem whilst working with others to foster teamwork and leadership skills. The course allows pupils to use their creativity to devise imaginative ideas for dances as a performer, choreographer and director. The Dance Department offers many theatre trips each year and pupils are encouraged to audition for outside development opportunities

GCSE Drama is a course enjoyed by pupils interested in theatre from the perspective of a director, actor and designer, as well as those wanting to develop and harness their creativity, communication, collaboration, leadership and empathy. Pupils gain a practical and theoretical understanding of rehearsal techniques used when directing, performance in contrasting styles and the design of set, costume, lighting and sound.

GCSE Music is practical, creative and academic. The course offers an opportunity for anyone who plays an instrument or sings to develop their performing skills, learn how music is constructed and developed from initial ideas to a finished piece, analyse music in a variety of different styles and from different cultures, and study and evaluate the social and historical context in which music is composed and performed.