FAQs
Please click on the link below to view frequently asked questions relating to that topic:
The College
What's your pass rate?
We aim to achieve the best results that each student is capable of. We feature very well in the official Government "league tables" of examination results. Our philosophy is described more fully in the What's Your Pass Rate? document at the bottom of the page.
Do you have Open Days at the College?
Yes. Please check our Open Day page for the next Open Day or contact our Admissions Registrar.
How do I apply to the College?
You will need to fill out an application form which can be submitted by post, email, fax or on-line. Alternatively, please do not hesitate to telephone us to arrange a visit to the College at a time that is convenient for you.
When was David Game College founded?
David Game College was founded in 1974 by its current Co-Principal, Mr David Game.
Is the College regulated and accredited?
David Game College is inspected by Ofsted inspectors. We were graded 'Outstanding' in all 5 areas in May 2017 and February 2020. View our latest Ofsted report at the bottom of the page.
How well qualified are the teachers at David Game College?
All teachers at the College are highly qualified and experienced. Many hold postgraduate qualifications and teach on David Game higher education courses. Others are Examiners for the Examination Boards in the UK, or sustain their own professional practices alongside their teaching. This gives them an exceptional depth of knowledge.
Whereabouts in London is David Game College?
The College is located in the heart of the City of London, at 31 Jewry Street, EC3N 2ET, a few minutes' walk from Aldgate or Aldgate East tube station.
Courses and Applications
How long will it take to do my GCSEs?
It is possible to do 5 GCSEs in one academic year (September- June). If you need to study more than five subjects, we may advise you to take two years. If you only need to take one or two GCSEs, you can take them alongside your AS levels, in the first year of A level studies.
Which GCSE subjects should I study?
All British universities require that you have passed Mathematics and English at GCSE / IGCSE or equivalent level. International students can take the IGCSE English, but we may advise you to aim for a high score in IELTS instead as some universities prefer this. Your other GCSE choices will depend on your study and career goals, and we will advise you on which subjects are the best for you.
What are the GCSE / IGCSE pass grades?
Grades A*, A, B and C are passes at GCSE / IGCSE and recognised by universities. Grades D - G are officially deemed to be passes although British universities do not consider these grades to be sufficient for entry. In GCSE English, English Literature and Mathematics, results are now reported on the 9-1 scale; a minimum grade of 4 is required in order to progress to AS and A level, although if demanding subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Economics and Physics are being considered, a GCSE grade of at least 6 in English and Mathematics would be expected.
Do universities prefer you to take GCSE or IGCSE?
They have no preference, one way or the other. Admissions tutors at universities and future employers will have no interest in whether you take GCSE or IGCSE in any subject, and which examination awarding body ("board") is involved is also of no relevance. All that matters is the grade that you obtain at the end of the course.
How important are my GCSE subjects and grades when I apply to university?
Most universities accept 5 GCSE or IGCSE passes, but some will want higher grades or more subjects, and for some of the universities, your GCSE subjects and grades can be very important. For Medicine, for example, you will need a good GCSE profile with a high proportion of A and A* grades (8 and 9 on the 9-1 system).
How many A levels should I take?
Students normally take three subjects at A level which are most relevant for the degree course they want to study. Students aiming for the most popular universities or courses generally need to take a fourth subject at AS (Advanced Subsidiary) level: we can give you individual advice about this.
What is the difference between AS and A level?
A level papers are of a higher academic standard than AS. In A level examinations, questions will be set on topics covered at AS but to greater depth and of a more challenging nature, alongside questions on advanced topics not featured at all in the AS. For entry into the more competitive degree courses such as Law, Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy, it is generally advisable to take four AS levels and then go on to take the A level in three subjects.
How has the AS / A level system changed ?
New specifications have been phased in since 2015. Before 2015, all AS and A level examinations were modular, meaning that each qualification was divided into units, and the basic principle was that AS + A2 = A level; hence it used to be possible to retake individual units at the first available opportunity in order to raise one's overall grade, and (crucially) marks gained in AS level unit examinations contributed to the final A level grade eventually obtained. In the new system, all qualifications will be linear by 2019, meaning that AS is "decoupled" from A level, and marks at AS no longer contribute to the final A level grade; further, all examinations have to be taken in one May / June session at the end of the course. Any student wishing to improve his or her AS or A level grade will have to retake all the papers in the qualification, not just the one(s) in which lower marks have been obtained. In the new system, the concept of "units" disappears with very few exceptions, A2 becomes a meaningless defunct term, likewise the process of "cashing-in" no longer applies.
We appreciate that many students find examination jargon confusing, and we are only too happy to answer any questions you may have about the changes. If you are considering applying to follow a course of study at David Game College, please telephone us on 020 7221 6665, or e-mail us via info@davidgamecollege.com, and we will arrange for you to visit the College; during your visit, we will show you round the College, advise you in terms of which subjects to study in the light of your proposed future degree course and career and answer all your questions, including those about the impact of all the changes on your proposed subject combination.
How do I know when the changes affect my chosen subjects?
The fact that different subjects have not all changed over to the new system at the same time is probably the most confusing aspect of the changes. Again, when you visit the College, we will explain how the changes impact upon your chosen course and subjects in a clear, concise and easy to understand way.
Does this mean that the new system will be operating alongside the old system from September 2017 onwards?
Yes, this is why it is confusing. As ever, please do not hesitate to ask us to explain how all the changes will affect you.
The exam boards used by David Game College in my subjects differ from the ones relating to the AS levels I took at my previous school. Will I still be able to apply to have the credit for my AS transferred from my previous AS boards to the boards you use for A levels at David Game?
Yes, but ONLY if you are taking a course at David Game College in which you are following the old modular ("legacy") specification in a given subject. The concept of AS credit transfer becomes meaningless and redundant in the new linear system because marks obtained in AS level examinations will no longer contribute to the final A level grade.
Do I receive advice on my choice of 'A' Levels?
Yes - as part of our service to students we advise on what are deemed to be the most suitable combination of subjects for a proposed degree course. This service is delivered through a combination of subject tutors' advice and that of our senior leadership team.
How long do courses last at David Game College?
For A levels and GCSEs, the courses can be taken over 1, 1.5 or 2 years, starting in September or January.
Does the College offer any bursaries or scholarships?
There are a number of scholarships and bursaries available at David Game College, which are given at the discretion of the Co-Principals.
Can I change a subject after starting a class?
Sometimes students realise that one of the subjects that they have initially chosen is not suitable for them. We offer a two-three week flexibility period at the start of term during which a student can change a subject (after a discussion with the College) if they feel another subject is more appropriate.
Can we get extra tuition outside class time?
Yes, we can arrange private tuition for you. Students sometimes benefit from a few additional hours of individual attention, especially before exams or if they have missed classes because of illness or travel.
Will I be interviewed or have to sit an admissions test?
The College policy is to interview all students and parents where possible as it is a good opportunity to gain valuable information from both sides. However, sometimes international students who are unable to come into the College are contacted and their study requirements discussed via a telephone or Skype interview or by email. They can then be admitted based on previous examination results and school transcripts.
How much homework and exam practice should I expect?
This will obviously depend on the number of subjects you are taking but students should expect an average of 10 hours of homework per week, including test revision.
Do we get a lunch break?
Yes, but it is not at a set time in the day. Your break times depend on your particular timetable. We have a student canteen where you can buy snacks or drinks and there is always chilled water available. In addition there are many cafes, sandwich bars and restaurants in the City of London where you can get a quick meal.
How many hours per week should I expect on my timetable?
A level intensive students will have 6 hours per week per subject with additional hours for practicals (if applicable). GCSE and 2-year A level students should expect 4 hours per week per subject.
Students
How many students are there in a class at the College?
At David Game College, teaching is generally in small groups with no more than 10 students in a class. Students are therefore encouraged at all times to participate and there is plenty of time for them to receive personal attention from their tutors. Classes in many subjects are even smaller than this - average class size for A level and GCSE / IGSCE subjects is 8 students. Certain very popular subjects, e.g Maths & Economics, have more students in the class, but are given extra hours of class time to compensate for this.”
Which universities do David Game College students go on to?
Our students are placed at the most prestigious universities in the UK such as UCL, Imperial, LSE, Oxford and Cambridge. Students have entered for at least 60 other universities over the last 46 years.
Who do I talk to if I have a problem?
There are a number of staff that you can see if you have a problem, be it personal, academic or general. The Co-Principals are always at hand, as is the Head of GCSE and the student counsellor. Every GCSE / IGCSE and AS level student also has a Personal Tutor. Our students are encouraged to approach whichever member of staff they feel most comfortable with, and can be confident that their problems will be dealt with and resolved. The Reception staff are also at hand to help with general matters.
How do I get involved with College activities?
You can see our Activities Co-ordinator to sign up for the football and basketball teams and to take part in events such as paint-balling, debating, drama, excursions and trips abroad. Our Co-ordinator is always open to suggestions and will run new events by popular demand.
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