International GCSE Course for Middle School Students
The International GCSE program is a course designed for Key Stage 5 (AS and A-Level) progression.
International GCSE is an internationally recognized qualification equivalent to completing compulsory education in the UK.
Nisai is officially registered and accredited by the UK government. Nisai was also the first school in the world to be accredited to provide British international education entirely online. With many years of experience and a long history of delivering high-quality education, Nisai continues to provide students with an outstanding learning environment. Nisai’s British program is designed to develop the skills and competencies needed to thrive as a global citizen.
Additionally, the most significant learning outcomes of the International GCSE program are the development of:
The International GCSE program is an online course for students aged 14 to 16 (middle school students), with two years of study. Each learning program follows the UK curriculum and is designed to prepare students for Key Stage 5 AS and A-Level (high school) progression. Classes are conducted through live online sessions in English. International GCSE is one of the most popular international qualifications globally and is equivalent to completing the third year of middle school to the first year of high school in Japan. Some international schools adopting the International Baccalaureate (IB) also incorporate the International GCSE into their middle school curriculum as a precursor to the IBDP. Holding an International GCSE qualification proves advantageous for both overseas university admissions and employment opportunities. Available subjects include:
Through these subjects, students efficiently develop their skills, and understanding of specialized knowledge. International GCSE exams can be taken in individual subjects, and since all subjects are taught in English, you also serve as a strong language tool, beneficial for examinations.
Classes are mostly scheduled for late afternoon onwards, allowing for after-school attendance. One of Nisai's strengths is providing equivalent international education while students attend schools in Japan. In recent years, with the increasing number of homeschooling students, daytime classes are gradually being offered.
Currently, there is a growing number of students attending Nisai while remaining enrolled in public or private schools, opting for homeschooling. Some students aim to enter both Japanese and foreign high schools from the middle school stage, choosing to enroll or transfer to Nisai.
As the number of returnees and individuals with international school experiences is increasing, there is a demand for programs and classes that cater to their English language needs.
The International GCSE course is recommended in such cases. The everyday English proficiency required in International GCSE is at least CEFR B1 level (Eiken Grade 2 or equivalent). Furthermore, the English proficiency required for discussions and exploratory learning in class is very academic.
It is also suitable for afterschool learning for returnee students attending domestic schools or those with international school experience. Being fully online, Nisai offers easy access to afterschool classes.
Additionally, during summer vacation, it is possible to participate in the "Short-term Online Study Abroad (Summer School) Program" and learn with overseas students from home. For more details, please contact us.
The International GCSE is offered for middle school students (ages 14-16).
Students who have not reached the target age may still enroll in the course if they show they have English skills and competence in the assessment test. (Skipping grades)
International GCSE courses (in blue) provide students with subject-specific knowledge and understanding, as well as skills development and essay writing, in preparation for AS and A-level studies.
International GCSE English Year 10 (Year 1)
| Unit 1 | Introduction |
|---|---|
| Hours | 2 hours |
| Objectives | Ability assessment |
| Unit 2 | Reading ① Non-fiction from the 19th–21st centuries |
| Hours | 14 hours |
| Objectives | Interpret, critique, evaluate effects, and infer from textual information |
| Unit 3 | Reading ② Non-fiction from the 19th–21st centuries |
| Hours | 14 hours |
| Objectives | Analyze, identify, comprehend, compare; written exam |
| Unit 4 | Writing: Non-fiction writing |
| Hours | 12 hours |
| Objectives | Organize and select information; vocabulary & grammar; punctuation; written exam |
| Unit 5 | Reading ③ Non-fiction from the 20th–21st centuries |
| Hours | 20 hours |
| Objectives | Grammatical features, effects, summarizing, analysis, comprehension; written exam |
| Unit 6 | Writing: Creative writing |
| Hours | 14 hours |
| Objectives | Organize and structure ideas; recognize features and apply/adapt; produce; written exam |
| Unit 7 | Review |
| Hours | 2 hours |
| Objectives | Preparation for International GCSE Year 11 |
International GCSE English Year 11 (Year 2)
| Unit 1 | Introduction |
|---|---|
| Hours | 2 hours |
| Objectives | Evaluate learning attained in International GCSE Year 10 |
| Unit 2 | Reading ① Non-fiction analysis |
| Hours | 14 hours |
| Objectives | Identify and interpret ideas and information; critique structure; evaluate effects of expression; summarize |
| Unit 3 | Reading ② Non-fiction analysis |
| Hours | 14 hours |
| Objectives | Analysis, identification, comprehension, comparison; mock exam |
| Unit 4 | Writing: Non-fiction writing |
| Hours | 12 hours |
| Objectives | Select key information; analyze viewpoint; adapt style; pursue accuracy; mock exam |
| Unit 5 | Reading ③ Non-fiction from the 20th–21st centuries |
| Hours | 18 hours |
| Objectives | Authors’ vocabulary, style, grammatical features; effects; summarizing; analysis; create original expression; mock exam |
| Unit 6 | Writing: Creative writing |
| Hours | 6 hours |
| Objectives | Creative, rich composition; adapt to your own writing; mock exam |
| Unit 7 | Review |
| Hours | 6 hours |
| Objectives | Exam preparation and review of weaker areas |
International GCSE Year 10 Maths
| Unit 1 | Number |
|---|---|
| Hours | 12 hours |
| Objectives | Factors and multiples; squares and cubes; roots and primes; index notation and calculations |
| Unit 2 | Algebra |
| Hours | 14 hours |
| Objectives | Simplify expressions; use formulae; enlargement (scaling); analysis; express word problems algebraically |
| Unit 3 | Graphs |
| Hours | 16 hours |
| Objectives | Read and use tables; represent data; diagrams; graphs; scatter diagrams; applications |
| Unit 4 | Number |
| Hours | 12 hours |
| Objectives | Operate with fractions; mixed numbers; calculations; convert to percentages; calculations |
| Unit 5 | Algebra |
| Hours | 14 hours |
| Objectives | Introduce and solve equations and inequalities; generate sequences; use the nth term |
| Unit 6 | Angles |
| Hours | 10 hours |
| Objectives | Properties of shapes; angles on parallel lines; triangles; exterior & interior angles; algebra with angles |
International GCSE Year 11 Maths
| Unit 1 | Averages |
|---|---|
| Hours | 6 hours |
| Objectives | Averages and range; types (mean, median, mode) |
| Unit 2 | Perimeter, Area, and Volume |
| Hours | 8 hours |
| Objectives | Area of shapes and compound shapes; surface area of 3D shapes; volume of prisms |
| Unit 3 | Graphs |
| Hours | 8 hours |
| Objectives | Coordinates; real-life graphs; transformations |
| Unit 4 | Ratio |
| Hours | 6 hours |
| Objectives | Simplify and divide in a ratio; inverse proportion problems |
| Unit 5 | Right-angled Triangles |
| Hours | 8 hours |
| Objectives | Pythagoras’ theorem; sine, cosine, and tangent ratios |
| Unit 6 | Probability |
| Hours | 6 hours |
| Objectives | Probability; Venn diagrams; tree diagrams |
| Unit 7 | Algebra |
| Hours | 4 hours |
| Objectives | Expand double brackets; quadratic factorisation (factorising) |
| Unit 8 | Number |
| Hours | 6 hours |
| Objectives | Various calculations |
| Unit 9 | Past paper questions |
| Hours | 26 hours |
| Objectives | Preparation using past papers and questions |
International GCSE Year 10 Science
| Unit 1 | Introduction |
|---|---|
| Hours | 2 hours |
| Objectives | Orientation and diagnostic assessment |
| Unit 2 | Biology |
| Hours | 20 hours |
| Objectives | Math skills for biology; investigations; nervous system; internal environment of animals |
| Unit 3 | Chemistry |
| Hours | 14 hours |
| Objectives | Math skills for chemistry; seas and atmosphere; metals; acids and alkalis; environmental issues |
| Unit 4 | Physics |
| Hours | 14 hours |
| Objectives | Math skills for physics; solar system; waves; exploring the universe and Earth |
| Unit 5 | STEAM |
| Hours | 4 hours |
| Objectives | Investigate STEAM topics in real-world contexts; complete a project |
International GCSE Year 11 Science
| Unit 1 | Introduction |
|---|---|
| Hours | 2 hours |
| Objectives | Orientation and diagnostic assessment |
| Unit 2 | Biology ① |
| Hours | 14 hours |
| Objectives | Characteristics; cell structure; biomolecules; enzymes |
| Unit 3 | Biology ② |
| Hours | 10 hours |
| Objectives | Regulation and response; reproduction; organisms & environment; human impacts |
| Unit 4 | Chemistry |
| Hours | 16 hours |
| Objectives | Experimental techniques; electricity and chemistry; metals; air and water; organic chemistry |
| Unit 5 | Physics |
| Hours | 8 hours |
| Objectives | Motion; energy; thermal physics; circuits |
| Unit 6 | Mock exam |
| Hours | 2 hours |
| Objectives | Written exam |
| Unit 7 | Comprehensive review |
| Hours | 26 hours |
| Objectives | Exam preparation and review of weaker areas |
International GCSE Year 10 Economics
| Unit 1 | Introduction |
|---|---|
| Hours | 2 hours |
| Objectives | Ability assessment |
| Unit 2 | Introduction to Economics |
| Hours | 8 hours |
| Objectives | Economic problems and factors of production |
| Unit 3 | The Role of Markets and Money ① |
| Hours | 20 hours |
| Objectives | Role of markets; demand; supply; price |
| Unit 4 | The Role of Markets and Money ② |
| Hours | 24 hours |
| Objectives | Competition; production; labor market; roles |
| Unit 5 | Mock exam |
| Hours | 6 hours |
| Objectives | Written exam |
| Unit 6 | Economic Objectives and the Role of Government |
| Hours | 14 hours |
| Objectives | Economic growth; low unemployment |
International GCSE Year 11 Economics
| Unit 1 | Introduction |
|---|---|
| Hours | 2 hours |
| Objectives | Overview of aims |
| Unit 2 | Economic Objectives and the Role of Government ① |
| Hours | 14 hours |
| Objectives | Economic growth; low unemployment; equitable distribution of income |
| Unit 3 | Economic Objectives and the Role of Government ② |
| Hours | 22 hours |
| Objectives | Price stability; fiscal policy; monetary policy; supply-side policies; market regulation |
| Unit 4 | International Trade and the Global Economy |
| Hours | 10 hours |
| Objectives | Importance of trade; balance of payments; exchange rates; globalization |
| Unit 5 | Exam preparation |
| Hours | 18 hours |
| Objectives | Preparation for the examination |
| Unit 6 | Post-exam sessions |
| Hours | 12 hours |
| Objectives | Consolidation |
If a class reaches capacity, an additional class will be opened, so the times shown may not be available.
International GCSE Y1 (You can enroll starting with a single subject.)
| All times are shown in Japan Standard Time (JST). | Mon. | Tue. | Wed. | Thu. | Fri. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:50-15:20 | English - 2nd Language 1 (0510) Environmental Management 1 (0680) |
Environmental Management 1 (0680) | English - 2nd Language 1 (0510) | English - 2nd Language 1 (0510) Environmental Management 1 (0680) |
English - 2nd Language 1 (0510) Environmental Management 1 (0680) |
| 15:30-16:00 | Additional Maths 1 (0606) | Additional Maths 1 (0606) | Additional Maths 1 (0606) | Additional Maths 1 (0606) | |
| 17:00-17:30 | Sociology 1 (0495) | Sociology 1 (0495) | Sociology 1 (0495) | Sociology 1 (0495) | |
| 17:40-18:10 | Business Studies 1 (0450) | Business Studies 1 (0450) | Business Studies 1 (0450) | Business Studies 1 (0450) | |
| 18:20-18:50 | Maths 1 (0580) English - First Language 1 (0500) |
Maths 1 (0580) English - First Language 1 (0500) |
Maths 1 (0580) English - First Language 1 (0500) |
Maths 1 (0580) English - First Language 1 (0500) |
|
| 19:00-19:30 | Combined Science 1 (0653) | Combined Science 1 (0653) | Combined Science 1 (0653) | Combined Science 1 (0653) | |
| 19:00-20:00 | Science - Co-ordinated 1 (0654) | Science - Co-ordinated 1 (0654) | Science - Co-ordinated 1 (0654) | Science - Co-ordinated 1 (0654) | |
| 20:30-21:00 | Economics 1 (0455) English - 2nd Language 2 (0510) |
English - 2nd Language 2 (0510) | Economics 1 (0455) English - 2nd Language 2 (0510) |
Economics 1 (0455) English - 2nd Language 2 (0510) |
Economics 1 (0455) |
| 21:10-21:40 | Maths 2 (0580) English - First Language 2 (0500) |
Maths 2 (0580) English - First Language 2 (0500) |
Maths 2 (0580) English - First Language 2 (0500) |
Maths 2 (0580) English - First Language 2 (0500) |
International GCSE Y2 (You can enroll starting with a single subject.)
| All times are shown in Japan Standard Time (JST). | Mon. | Tue. | Wed. | Thu. | Fri. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:50-15:20 | English - 2nd Language 2 (0510) | English - 2nd Language 2 (0510) | English - 2nd Language 2 (0510) | English - 2nd Language 2 (0510) | |
| 17:00-17:30 | Environmental Management 1 (0680) | Environmental Management 1 (0680) | Environmental Management 1 (0680) | Environmental Management 1 (0680) | |
| 17:40-18:10 | Sociology 1 (0495) Maths 2 (0580) |
Sociology 1 (0495) | Sociology 1 (0495) Maths 2 (0580) |
Sociology 1 (0495) Maths 2 (0580) |
Maths 2 (0580) |
| 18:20-18:50 | Combined Science 1 (0653) | Combined Science 1 (0653) Economics 1 (0455) |
Combined Science 1 (0653) Economics 1 (0455) |
Combined Science 1 (0653) Economics 1 (0455) |
Economics 1 (0455) |
| 19:00-19:30 | English - First Language 1 (0500) English - 2nd Language 1 (0510) |
English - First Language 1 (0500) English - 2nd Language 1 (0510) |
English - First Language 1 (0500) | English - First Language 1 (0500) English - 2nd Language 1 (0510) |
English - 2nd Language 1 (0510) |
| 19:50-20:20 | English - First Language 2 (0500) | Maths 1 (0580) English - First Language 2 (0500) |
Maths 1 (0580) English - First Language 2 (0500) |
Maths 1 (0580) English - First Language 2 (0500) |
Maths 1 (0580) |
| 20:30-21:30 | Science - Co-ordinated 1 (0654) | Science - Co-ordinated 1 (0654) | Science - Co-ordinated 1 (0654) | Science - Co-ordinated 1 (0654) |
International GCSE Course Application Deadline
Until the Christmas break
Subject-Specific Activities
* Assignment and self-study times are approximate and may vary by student.
* The registration deadline is mid-December.
You can choose from eight subjects, including English (First Language/Second Language), Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and Economics.
You may enroll starting with a single subject. If you plan to apply to overseas universities using the International GCSE qualification, you will need to take five or more subjects.
Per subject: four 30-minute live lessons per week + assignments (1 hour/week) + self-study (15–20 minutes/day)
At Nisai, we recommend training with the E-learning system "Units of Sound" alongside each course.
Unlimited annual usage: ¥19,800 (tax included) + personal training fee
At Nisai, we recommend training with the E-learning system "Units of Sound" alongside each course.
Unlimited annual usage: SGD 184 + personal training fee
Detailed explanation here
Units of Sound is an independent study program that allows learners to study at their own time.An online tool to support English language acquisition.Students can learn English by utilizing multiple senses such as listening, writing, and reading, and the program is automatically customized according to each student's English level.It is an independent study program, so learners can work on their listening and vocabulary skills at any given time, focusing on live lessons.
There is a quiz at the beginning of the program, and upon completion of the quiz, learners are automatically placed in the appropriate level for their English ability and training is provided.This helps learners build confidence in English.
With an emphasis on reading, dictation, memory, and spelling, Units of Sound has been used to support both children and adults in their English learning journey.Learners will have access to Units of Sound for 12 months, and it will be even more effective if they use it as a preparation tool before taking the main course, as well as for independent study after the live lessons begin.Learners are encouraged to study Units of Sound's self-study e-learning program at least three times each week for 25 minutes each.
Preparation for Enrollment in the Main Course!
Quickly acquire English proficiency to keep up with classes
Nisai CEO: Dhruv Patel
As the head of the Nisai Group for over 20 years, I have worked to deliver learner-centred education. Education should always put students first. As educators, it is our duty to provide learning that meets each individual’s needs.
We began by providing education for students in the UK compulsory education system who were unable to attend school due to illness, disability, bullying, or family circumstances. Our teachers and staff engage with students with the aim of ensuring they have real opportunities and choices for their futures.
In Japan, the term “WASC-accredited school” is often heard in relation to international schools. WASC is an educational accreditation organization headquartered in California, USA, that accredits schools from early years through Grade 12 (equivalent to the third year of high school in Japan), as well as colleges and universities.
Nisai is officially registered and accredited by the UK government. Nisai was also the first fully online education provider in the world to receive accreditation to deliver British-style international education entirely online. With many years of experience and a strong track record, Nisai has continued to provide high-quality education to students around the world.
Our International GCSE courses are taught by experienced teachers with a proven track record in school education. Even students who are not yet confident in English can develop their four key language skills efficiently, with teachers providing instruction and support according to each student’s current level of English proficiency.
The more students learn with Nisai, the earlier they can develop practical English skills that can be used in a global environment. Each student is placed in the most appropriate class according to their individual learning level. By studying alongside students from around the world, they can develop an international perspective and the skills needed to thrive in a global society. These abilities can also be a great advantage when taking English proficiency examinations such as EIKEN, IELTS, and Cambridge English Qualifications. They can also help students prepare for Japanese high school entrance examinations by making the most of their individual strengths.
Middle school life can be very busy. One of the unique strengths of Nisai’s fully online model is that students can access international education easily from anywhere, whether at home or while away, in a way that can fit naturally around their everyday schedule, much like attending a supplementary school. Through studying International GCSE courses, we hope that students will develop the skills needed to succeed globally, gain internationally recognized qualifications, and expand their options for high school, further education, and their future.
Nisai offers trial lessons so that you can enroll with confidence.
The process is:
This is the flow.
International GCSE is a UK qualification marking the completion of compulsory education, designed for students at international schools. It is known as one of the most popular international qualifications worldwide. It is offered at about 2,300 schools in more than 130 countries, and the internationally recognized International GCSE school program is equivalent to the UK’s GCSE. The program is intended for students aged 14 to 16.
Students study an International GCSE curriculum over two years in Year 10 and Year 11 (equivalent in Japan to the 3rd year of junior high and the 1st year of high school), and take the international examinations at the end. International GCSE exam content is designed with non-native English candidates in mind, and because it is more advanced than GCSE (in the UK), some private schools that emphasize UK university placement prefer to adopt International GCSE in place of GCSE.
The most important learning outcomes of the International GCSE program are:
These three competencies. The program maintains relevance to real-life contexts while incorporating an international perspective, providing a balanced foundation for lifelong learning.
Students follow a broad and balanced curriculum composed of diverse and relevant subjects to build solid foundations in English, mathematics, and science.
When choosing International GCSE subjects, it is important to consider your intended university and field (e.g., humanities or sciences).
Typically, students select around 5–12 subjects.
English, Mathematics, and two to three Sciences from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Choose four from History, Geography, Computer (ICT), Business Studies, Music, Art, and Drama; and choose one Modern Foreign Language (e.g., German, French, Chinese, Spanish).
* Available subjects vary by school.
There are also non-examined subjects: Health Education and Physical Education.
You will study a total of 11 subjects.
* Nisai offers six subjects.
Regardless of humanities or sciences, assessment is on a seven-point scale from A to G.
International GCSE is a type of qualification examination and, simply put, is recognized worldwide as a credential much like the TOEFL.
Depending on your International GCSE results, you can choose from the pathways below:
International GCSE is a key milestone that helps determine future pathways. At the end of Year 13, students take A Level or IB examinations and apply to universities with those results.
If you plan to progress to a foundation course with International GCSE alone, you will need to take five or more subjects.
In the UK (and in many European and former UK territories with similar systems), results from A levels (UK national examinations) or the IB Diploma (points-based) serve directly as the qualification for university admission.
The world is open to our students. To gain more options, consider learning with Nisai. Whether you choose higher education or employment after graduation, your studies with Nisai will undoubtedly be a strong advantage.
International GCSE is a UK qualification marking the completion of compulsory education, designed for students at international schools. It is known as one of the most popular international qualifications worldwide. Offered at about 2,300 schools in more than 130 countries, the internationally recognized International GCSE school program is equivalent to the UK’s GCSE. The program is intended for students aged 14 to 16.
For details, see the “About International GCSE” section in the Junior High School course.
First Language English is a subject for learners whose native language is English. Second Language English is an English subject for learners whose native language is not English.
At present, Japan’s Ministry of Education appears to leave recognition of International GCSE to each individual school, and holders are generally regarded as graduates of international schools. However, outside Japan, International GCSE is one of the most popular international qualifications. Holding International GCSE can be an advantage when applying to universities or for jobs overseas.
We recommend studying a dedicated International GCSE curriculum over two years in Year 10 and Year 11 (equivalent in Japan to the 3rd year of junior high school and the 1st year of high school). Students take the international examinations at the end of the two-year program. The International GCSE syllabus is designed with non-native English candidates in mind.
International GCSE is an important milestone for future pathways; at the end of Year 13, students take A Level or IB exams and apply to universities with those results.
For details, see the “About International GCSE” section in the Junior High School course.
In general, students follow a broad and balanced curriculum composed of diverse, relevant subjects so they can build strong foundations in English, mathematics, and science.
Based on the intended university and field (e.g., humanities or sciences), it is also important to choose International GCSE subjects accordingly.
Typically, students select around 5–12 subjects.
Compulsory subjects
2–3 subjects from English, mathematics, and science.
* At Nisai, we offer six subjects including English, mathematics, and science.