Astronomy

Students may choose to study Astronomy as an additional GCSE alongside students from across the GDST, with lessons being delivered online after school, one day per week.

Typically, students begin the course in Year 9, completing the GCSE at the end of Year 10 to avoid additional pressure during an already busy exam season, however, students may begin in other years if they wish and feel they can balance the additional workload. It is a demanding GCSE, with significant content requirements and including concepts from the A level Physics and A level Mathematics curricula, so offers an excellent opportunity for those students looking for an additional challenge.

Students with an interest in Astronomy who do not wish to sit the GCSE can complete the first year of the course to achieve the GDST Space Science Certificate. We are keen to encourage a love of learning for enrichment and individual interest, and disconnect that from learning having to be for exams, so students are welcome to study the first year and achieve their certificate whether or not they intend to continue to year 2. Further information can be found here https://iteot.my.canva.site/gdst-space-science-certificate