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GCSE's (General Certificate of Secondary Education)

GCSE's GCSE's are the final examinations taken by students to complete their Secondary school education and mark the end of Key Stage 4.  Once completed students be ideally placed to progress to A Levels, Vocational qualifications or enter employment. What subjects are studied? There is a broad and exciting range of GCSE subjects to choose from. Some subjects at this level are compulsory and others optional, most Year 11 students take approximately 10 subjects (some of these are counted as double subjects like General Science).  Core subjects include: Mathematics, English, General Science and Computer Studies . Optional subjects include: Accounting, Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, Expressive Arts, Geography, Languages, and Physics . What is studied at GCSE level? Depending on the subjects choose,lessons are taught in the classroom or laboratory.  In some cases students also take part in educational field trips. Students are expected to complete homework and independent or group research projects.  Regular testing is also a feature of most GCSE programmes. How are GCSE's assessed? For each GCSE subject, a final grade from A* (highest) to G is awarded. GCSE result will depend on the outcome of one or more methods of assessment: Exams that are externally marked and graded. Continuous assessment during your course, for example, coursework assignments and practical experiments. The proportion of coursework to exams will depend on the subject. What do GCSE grades mean? They are a measure of achievement based on the National Curriculum levels of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Some universities specify minimum grades in certain subjects as part of their entrance requirements.  Also, many employers will only consider your application if you have achieved specific grades in particular subjects (usually English Language, Mathematics and three other written subject at grade C or above). What else will be gain from studying GCSEs? Studying such a broad range of subjects helps students to decide what they are really interested in. GCSE help develop: Ability to think critically Research and analysis skills Study techniques Team working ability