Homepage > Learning > Qualifications> GCSEs
IMPORTANT: 14-19 option choices are under review by the Government and therefore the information in this article may be subject to change.
Choosing your options
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.
What are GCSEs?
GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education and they are the most common, but not the only qualification available for 14-16 year olds. They are studied mainly at secondary school and can be chosen as part of the choices available to you in year 9. GCSEs are available in over 50 subjects but check with your school about which subjects they offer. GCSEs can be studied alongside other qualifications such as a vocational qualification or a Diploma.
How are GCSEs assessed?
GCSEs are mainly assessed by exams taken at the end of year 11 but some have tests at the end of each unit. This means that you can sit exams throughout the course instead of sitting lots of exams at the end of your two years of study. Check with your tutors if you are unsure. Many topics have project work or ‘controlled assessment’ (this is project work completed under supervision in class) which add to your final grading. In some courses you can choose what tier (level) of exam paper you wish to take, but it is important that you realise that the tier of paper you sit will affect your final grade. If you are unsure of what tier 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 but can start as early as May. School leavers of any age can also choose to study GCSEs at a local college or sixth-form. 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.
What are GCSE short courses?
Your school may offer GCSE short courses, such as citizenship studies, 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 or want to get a qualification in subjects like PE and RE which you have to study until you are 16.
Receiving your exam results
If your GCSEs are not as good as you hoped then you could consider retaking some subjects such as maths or English. If you want to continue learning you should be mindful that some subjects may require that you have reached a minimum grade before you can start this course, this is known a pre-requisite. Have a chat with your tutor at school or college to see if you can do this. Alternatively, you might decide that formal education and exams aren’t for you so consider looking at Apprenticeships.
Help lines
- Connexions Direct - 080 800 13 2 19, by text 07766 4 13 2 19, by textphone on 08000 968 336.
Useful websites
GCSE Bitesize
Revision advice and support.
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR)
Leading UK awarding body, providing a wide range of qualifications to meet the needs of learners of all ages and abilities.
Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA)
AQA is the largest of the three English exam boards, awarding 49% of full course GCSEs.
Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (Ofqual)
Everything you need to know about qualifications and the exam system.
Step On
14-19 online prospectus for Essex.
The Site: exam failure
Provides support and guidance for young adults.
Last updated: 20/06/11
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
Posted - 08:27, 01 Sep 2010
hi my cdaughter need to retake her
gcse english and maths again please help
Posted - 12:14, 24 May 2011
Hi, due to some problems with my school I've left with zero GCSE's, I would appreciate some information on my options from here.
Such as re-sits etc.
Thanks, N.D
Posted - 11:41, 26 May 2011
hi, didnt get the best grades in school and would like to develope my education i want to do evening college or weekend as for im in full time work and have no time to do it during the day, iv looked at colleges website and that but dont seem to be getting no were and they seem to cost but im under 19 do i still get free education with evening and weekend or is that only during the day thanks c.t
Posted - 03:57, 26 May 2011
Hi N.D thanks for getting in touch. There are lots of options available to you, but it is important that you speak with a Connexions Personal Adviser so that they can go through your options, as they will need to fully understand your situation. From the left-hand navigation click on Connexions Centres for details of our centre opening hours. You don’t have to but best to ring and book an appointment. Alternatively you can email cnx.webmaster@essex.gov.uk your name and location and we can arrange an appointment that way. Connexions
Posted - 09:42, 27 May 2011
Hi C.T, sorry to hear that your grades were not what you wanted them to be. The good news is that you have employment. You can do evening classes but as you are in employment you will have to pay. If the course will help you in your current role then ask your employer about the possibility of them funding or part-funding the training. Another way to learn whilst you work is through an apprenticeship programme (www.apprenticeships.org.uk). Speak to your employer about the possibility of becoming an apprentice. The minimum an apprentice can earn is £2.50 per hour but many earn lots more. It’s a great way to study and earn work at the same time. If you are on a low income you could speak to the college you intend to apply to and find out if you are entitled to any concessions. We would recommend that you visit your nearest Connexions Centres for a guidance interview. Here we would look at the best courses for you and we hold a variety of vacancies you may want to look at. Good luck with finding the courses you would like to do. Connexions
Posted - 12:53, 17 Aug 2011
Hello My name is Abdul im from libya and i lived in england ten years. i came to back to my country at the begining of year8 but i really want to do my GCSE but i cant do them here. i must go to the UK. but my parents are going back when i am a year 10 so if i start my GCSE course in yeat ten is it okay will i have missed something important?
Posted - 05:57, 19 Aug 2011
We would suggest you speak with directly with schools of interest to you. Or contact Careers Helpline on 080 800 13 2 19.
Post a Comment
Thank you for posting a comment.
Your message will be moderated before going live on the site.
Please enter a message.
Why not rate this article? Give this article your rating from (1) not very helpful to (5) very helpful
Posted - 12:31, 31 Aug 2008
hi, i havn't got my resuilts for GCSE's yet wot should i do?