In 1986, GCE O levels and CSEs were merged together to form a new single system of examining at 16+. This new system was designed to make examinations much more inclusive, and to encourage more young learners to study and gain qualifications.
Although GCSEs are not compulsory to take at school, they are often used as an entry requirement for level 3 study. They are designed to prepare students for further academic success, and to equip them with skills for immediate employment.
Subjects
GCSEs can be taken in a range of different subjects from English, science and maths to classical Greek and astronomy. There are also eight GCSEs in vocational subjects that relate to work in particular vocation areas. These include leisure and tourism, engineering, manufacturing and applied business. These vocational GCSEs are double awards - equivalent to two traditional GCSEs.
Some subjects can be taken in a number of different ways; for example, there are four ways to take GCSE science qualifications:
- Three separate GCSEs: one in biology, one in chemistry and one in physics.
- A single award in science, covering all three subjects and worth one GCSE.
- A double award in science, covering all three subjects and worth two GCSEs.
- A double award in applied science, worth two GCSEs.
Some subjects are divided into a number of 'tiers', each of which has a different target range of grades. English, maths, science and modern languages all have 2 tiers; the foundation tier assesses grades G to C, whilst the higher tier assesses grades D to A*. This enables students to be assessed at a level appropriate to their abilities.
GCSEs normally take two years to complete. Students are expected to sit exams and undertake a certain amount of coursework, both of which will count towards their final grade. Coursework may include fieldwork, projects, artwork, experiments or investigations, and typically contributes to 20-40% of the final GCSE grade. However, subjects such as Design and Technology, Information and Communication Technology, Art, Music Studies and Architecture have a higher proportion of coursework - around 60%.
At the end of the assessment, each student receives a grade ranged from A* (best) to G (worst). Those who fail a course are given a U (ungraded).
Many sixth-form colleges and schools require students to achieve at least 5 C grades to be eligible to enrol for A level courses. The majority of Universities and colleges will also require a C (or higher) in English and Mathematics, regardless of the student's performance in their A-levels.
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