What are GCSEs?
- GCSEs (General Certificates of Secondary Education) are the exams that most UK pupils take at the end of year 11 (aged 16), but they can be taken at any age.
- They are usually taken at the end of a two-year course of study.
- Depending on the grade achieved, GCSEs are either level 1 or level 2 on the National Qualifications Framework. Grades C to G are level 1, while A* to C are level 2.
- GCSEs are internationally recognised qualifications.
- GCSEs are the main entry requirements for continuing study at Level 3. They are also the minimum educational requirement for many jobs.
- GCSEs are currently being redeveloped. Find out more about the new GCSEs for first teaching from September 2009 here.
What choices are available?
- There’s a wide range of subject areas to choose from at GCSE.
- Short courses are available for some GCSE subjects, equivalent to half a GCSE.
- Double awards are offered in certain subjects, equivalent to two GCSEs.
- Vocational GCSEs, also known as Applied GCSEs, are work-related qualifications designed to develop the relevant skills for a specific field of employment. Currently these are double awards (worth two GCSEs). For some of the new 2009 specifications there will be a single award option (worth one GCSE) as well as the double award.
How are GCSEs assessed?
- GCSEs are usually assessed through a combination of coursework and exams. Coursework has now become controlled assessment, which means there are rules on how it can be completed. These rules differ from subject to subject. Some modular GCSEs can be assessed in January as well as June; candidates may resit a unit once.
- GCSE grades range from A* to G. Some subjects offer both foundation and higher tier papers. The foundation tier is targeted at grades C to G, while the higher tier is targeted at grades A* to D.
Visit the GCSE area of the website for more information.