Introduction to the new GCSE Examination

The GCSEs examinations are not compulsory, though in principle students in year groups 10-11 take this exam at the end of key stage 4, the end of compulsory schooling. Students will take final exam in at least five subjects and will have to perform well by achieving at grade C or above. All GCSE specifications were under review for teaching in September 2001. The teaching of The New GCSEs qualifications has been introduced in 2001 for first examination in 2003, although the implementation of the two GCSEs English has been delayed for another year to ensure that the new specifications are distinctive between the two subjects. The GCSE (short course), which is worth half the study time of a full GCSE, is a new qualification. This course is graded on the same scale as the full GCSE, but covers fewer topics, and counts as half a GCSE. There were significant revisions in history, where specifications now contain a minimum of 25% British history, and in music, where specifications place more emphasis on MusicAL understanding. The teaching of citizenship at key stages 3 and 4 has become a compulsory subject within the National Curriculum with effect from September 2002. This new subject is Delivered in a number of different forms; two possible qualifications had been suggested (by QCA), a GCSE short course and a BTEC Award. The new GCSEs in vocational studies, which was launched in September 2002, is designed for students of all abilities, and is offered for 14- to 16- year olds in schools but also in colleges. Finally, Colleges of Further Education (FE), which offer a broader range of academic courses, also offer more vocation-oriented courses. FE colleges are less selective as to who they admit, and therefore offer opportunities for those students who have not performed well in their GCSE examinations, but who wish to continue their education.

What is GCSE?

The General Certificate of Secondary Education was introduced in 1986 with first examination in 1988. Most students take this exam at the end of key stage 4. Students GeneRally take at least five subjects, which include English, mathematics and science.

Who is the GCSE designed for?

As well as students at key stage 4, the GCSE is aimed at those in further education and sixth form colleges.

How is it assessed?

The three main awarding bodies are the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA), Edexcel, and Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR). The Government’s examinations regulator, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), oversees all GCSE syllabuses and specifications. Some courses involve assessed course work. GCSE papers are tiered to allow for differentiation between students.

What recent developments have there been?

All GCSE specifications have been reviewed in the last few years. The new GCSE qualifications have been introduced for teaching in 2001, and examination in 2003. A new qualification is the GCSE (short course), which counts as half a GCSE. A new subject is citizenship. The new qualifications in English language and literature were still under review in 2001. The aim was to make a clearer distinction between the two GCSEs. Vocational GCSEs was launched in September 2002. They put an emphasis on practical skills.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the GCSE?

Tiered examinations allow for differentiated learning. There is a wide range of subjects to cater for every interest. The GCSE (short course) and the vocational GCSEs are suited to varying student demands.

What results do students achieve?

Overall, 62.4% of students achieved grades A* to C in 2006, an increase of 1.2% on the previous figure.

What are the progression routes for students?

Students may progress to AS and A level, NVQs, a Modern Apprenticeship programme or employment.

The General Certificate Of Secondary Education

Introduced in 1986 with first examination in 1988.
Aimed at students at key stage 4 (14 to 16 year olds) and further education and sixth form students.
Assessed by the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA), Edexcel and Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR) awarding bodies, and overseen by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
Revised for examination in 2003, except for the two GCSEs in English literature and language which were in 2004.
GSCE results trend over recent years: In 2001, 57.1% of students achieved grades A* to C. In 2006, 62.4% of students were awarded A*-C grades.
Students may progress to AS and A level, NVQs, a Modern Apprenticeship programme or employment.
German and French are now in freefall.

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