Primary through to Upper Secondary - what we offer & how it works

We are in the process of registering as an exam centre with Pearson Edexcel. We chose Pearson because they offer:

• Modular iGCSEs – learners can take exams unit by unit across two years instead of one high-stakes assessment at the end.
• Remote invigilation – for learners who cannot attend an exam centre, assessments can be taken from home (at additional cost).

Currently, learners can sit their exams either:

• Through us (once we are approved as a Pearson exam centre, including remote invigilation), or
• Through our partners, Tutors & Exams, who run centres across the UK and internationally, or
• Via another exam board if preferred (subject to availability and costs).

Group classes (iGCSEs)

We currently offer:

• English Language A
• Maths
• Combined Science (Double Award Science)
• History
• Economics
• Upper Secondary PSHE (not a GCSE, but ensures learners cover PSHE skills as part of a full timetable)

1:1 GCSE tuition

We also offer one-to-one tuition in a wide range of GCSE subjects — including separate sciences, geography, history, economics, and others that do not require coursework.

• Learners usually have 1–2 sessions per week per subject.
• Each programme is tailored to the learner’s goals — whether securing a pass (Grade 4/5) or aiming for top grades.
• We provide exam preparation, feedback, and personalised pathways.

Please get in touch for the latest exam entry costs. Fees vary annually by exam board and include additional charges for remote invigilation if required.

Functional Skills

Functional Skills are a practical alternative to GCSEs, focusing on the real-life application of maths and English. They are widely recognised by employers, colleges, and apprenticeships.

• Who is it for? Learners who need a flexible, applied pathway; those for whom GCSEs aren’t the right fit; or anyone looking for a practical qualification.
• What’s covered?
  
  Maths – numbers, measures, data, and everyday problem-solving (e.g., money and budgeting).
  English – reading, writing, and speaking & listening in real-world contexts.
• Levels: Entry Level 1–3, Level 1, and Level 2.
• Exams: All exams are completed online through our partner providers.

At Gaia, we offer:

• Level 2 Maths and English as group classes (a pass is equivalent to a GCSE Grade 4).
• 1:1 support for Entry Levels and Level 1–2 in both Maths and English.

Exam registration for both Functional Skills and iGCSEs incurs additional costs, including entry fees and optional remote invigilation.

At Gaia Learning we use the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum as a backbone, but we customise and adapt it into our own spiral curriculum model. This means:

• Lessons are differentiated by design, so learners can be challenged and supported at the right level for them, no matter their starting point.
• Projects and activities give opportunities to make real-world connections and to incorporate learners’ own interests, keeping learning relevant and meaningful.

Modern Studies
Our Modern Studies course blends politics, democracy, human rights, ethics, and current affairs with elements of history, geography, and philosophy. Learners explore live and recent issues, learning how societies work and how decisions are made at local, national, and global levels. This interdisciplinary approach develops critical thinking, debate, and research skills, and gives learners a taste of different subjects to help inform their choices for upper secondary.

Based on the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, customised for Gaia learners through learner-first methodology and project work.

Computing & Digital Literacy

Learners build practical digital skills alongside an understanding of how technology shapes our world. From coding and algorithms to safe, creative use of online tools, lessons cover programming basics, data handling, digital communication, and online safety. Learners gain confidence as both creators and users of technology.

Draws on the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, adapted to be flexible, engaging, and relevant for Gaia learners.

Global Perspectives & Climate Action

Global Perspectives is a Cambridge International subject, focusing on critical global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and sustainability. Learners develop skills in research, analysis, collaboration, and evaluation while tackling real-world problems.

As a certified climate action school with Take Action Global, we also run Climate Action projects in collaboration with schools worldwide. Our learners have worked with peers in Ireland and Sierra Leone to compare how individuals, communities, and global citizens can take meaningful action.

Based on Cambridge’s framework, enriched by Gaia’s focus on international collaboration and real-world impact.

Arts

Our Arts programme is based on the Cambridge Lower Secondary Art & Design curriculum, but with the breadth to expand into whatever areas learners show passion for. This might include performing arts, fine arts, digital arts, film and photography, fashion, or more traditional art and design. Projects are flexible and learner-led, encouraging creativity and self-expression across a wide range of artistic fields.

Maths

Our Maths curriculum follows the Cambridge Lower Secondary framework as a backbone, but is reimagined within our Gaia spiral model. Learners revisit each strand of maths across a three-year cycle, so they can join at any point and build their knowledge without missing key content. Activities are differentiated, allowing every learner — whether consolidating fundamentals or stretching into advanced problem-solving — to progress together.

Projects offer opportunities to apply maths to real-world contexts and personal interests, from budgeting to design challenges. To support understanding we include activities that use online manipulatives, interactive tools, and simulations.

Science
Science at Gaia follows the Cambridge Lower Secondary framework, reshaped into our spiral curriculum. Learners cycle through biology, chemistry, and physics each year, revisiting key concepts with increasing depth. This ensures smooth progression no matter where learners join.

Lessons are interactive and collaborative, often using virtual experiments, simulations, and online demonstrations to explore scientific ideas. Where safe and appropriate, we also suggest simple “kitchen table” science experiments (with guardian permission). Projects give opportunities for learners to make connections to the real world and bring in their own interests, while differentiated activities ensure everyone can access, stretch, and succeed together.

English

English at Gaia is based on the Cambridge Lower Secondary framework, but reshaped into our three-year spiral model. Learners cycle through reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills each year, ensuring continuity and progress regardless of their starting point.

Every class is differentiated: some learners focus on building confidence in core literacy, while others are stretched to analyse complex texts or craft advanced writing. Projects include opportunities to make connections between classic and modern texts, learners’ own interests, and the wider world. This makes English both accessible and engaging for all learners.

Our Primary programme is based on the Cambridge International Primary Curriculum, but is fully developed using the Gaia methodology. This means we create a custom three-year spiral curriculum, where learners revisit key skills and ideas across each cycle.

• Learners can join at any stage without worrying about prior learning gaps.
• Every class offers differentiated activities by design, so learners are supported and stretched at the level that’s right for them.
• Lessons balance structured skill-building with opportunities to make real-world connections and incorporate learners’ interests.
• The curriculum gives learners broad exposure across subjects without the restrictions of traditional timetables, preparing them for a smooth transition into lower secondary.

Maths
Maths lessons build core number, shape, measure, and data skills through clear, structured teaching. Learners develop fluency in calculation and problem-solving, using a mixture of interactive tools, real-life contexts, and project links. Activities are differentiated by design, so learners can consolidate basics, stretch into more advanced ideas, and see how maths connects to their everyday lives.English
English develops reading, writing, speaking, and listening, building strong literacy skills that underpin learning across all areas. From phonics and vocabulary to creative writing and comprehension, lessons meet learners at their current level and stretch them forward. Opportunities are woven in to link literacy with real-world topics and learners’ interests, making English purposeful and engaging.

STEM
STEM brings together science, technology, engineering, and maths in both skills-based lessons and longer projects. Learners explore the natural and built world, tackle real-world challenges, and apply their knowledge through problem-solving and design. They might investigate ecosystems, experiment with simple machines, or create models of sustainable technology.

Most practical activities use virtual simulations, online manipulatives, and videos, but where safe and suitable we also suggest simple ‘kitchen table’ science experiments with guardian permission and supervision. Projects encourage teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking, while giving learners exposure to the broad range of STEM subjects they’ll meet in lower secondary.

Humanities
Humanities projects combine history, geography, culture, philosophy, and social studies, giving learners a wide-ranging introduction to the study of people, places, and societies. Projects might include exploring ancient civilisations, investigating world religions, mapping local geography, or discussing ethical dilemmas.
This broad, interdisciplinary approach helps learners develop curiosity about the past, awareness of the present, and critical thinking about the future. It also ensures they are familiar with the key Humanities subjects before moving into more specific pathways in lower secondary.

Together, our Primary structure ensures that learners build strong foundations in Maths and English, experience a wide range of STEM and Humanities subjects, and have the freedom to explore and enjoy learning. By spanning a 3-year spiral with differentiated entry points to each lesson, every learner is supported to succeed — and to move into lower secondary with confidence.