Homepage > Learning > Qualifications > GCSEs
- What are GCSEs?
- How are GCSEs assessed?
- When are GCSEs studied?
- Choosing your options
- What are GCSE short courses?
- Why take a GCSE short course?
- What is a GCSE Double Award?
GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education and they are the most common qualification for 14 - 16 year olds. They are studied mainly at secondary school and are the main way to gain qualifications at Key Stage 4.
GCSEs are mainly assessed by exams taken at the end of year 11. Many topics have course or project work that add to your final grading. From 2009 course work will be gradually replaced by 'controlled assessment' which is project work done under supervision in class. In some courses you can choose what level of exam paper you wish to take, but it is important that you realise that the level of paper you sit will affect your final grade. If you are unsure of what level paper to sit speak to your teacher for advice.
When are GCSEs studied?
GCSEs are studied in years 10 and 11 and exams are generally taken in the summer of year 11. However school leavers of any age can also choose to study GCSEs at your local college. Those who choose to re-sit or start a GCSE course after year 11 will be able to study the course in just one year.
Year 9 is when you choose the subjects you will study during years 10 and 11. It is important that you choose the right subjects as this will affect your future career path. You should get the opportunity to speak to a Connexions Personal Adviser in school during year 9 to guide you through choosing your options.
Your school may offer GCSE short courses, which count as half a GCSE. These cover fewer topics and don't take as long to complete. These are helpful for pupils who want to study a subject but don't have the time to take a full GCSE.
Short courses are mainly for those who want to study a subject; to keep their options open for future development, such as an A-level within that subject field. Short courses are often available for those that wish to earn qualifications in core subjects like PE or RE. It is always good to seek further advice from a teacher or a Connexions Personal Adviser before deciding to take a short course in addition to the usual number of subjects taken.
A Double Award GCSE is considered in the same manner as a GCSE; however it is equivalent to two GCSEs. These are often referred to as an applied course and are often more vocationally based. This means they provide additional training into specific skills which can be pursued within a future career. Applied GCSEs and Double Awards are only available in certain subjects such as additional science, leisure and tourism, engineering and performing arts; so check with your school about what is available and how this will affect the options you choose in year 9.
GCSE Bitesize
Revision advice and support.
OCR
Leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of qualifications to meet the needs of learners of all ages and abilities.
AQA
Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) is the largest of the three English exam boards, awarding 49% of full course GCSEs.
Your Comments
Posted - 11:48, 03 Sep 2008
You need to get in touch with your secondary school straight away, give them a ring now and arrange a time to go and collect them. Remember that whatever your results there will be opportunities available for you as a school leaver so call into your local Connexions Centre/One Stop Shop and we can help you with future planning. Good Luck, Connexions
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Posted - 12:31, 31 Aug 2008
hi, i havn't got my resuilts for GCSE's yet wot should i do?