coursework to gcse

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• How to Make Your Coursework as Good as It Can Possibly Be

Many GCSE and A-level subjects are assessed in part by coursework in addition to exams, meaning that the mark you receive for coursework contributes to your overall grade. Many students prefer coursework, because it’s a chance to showcase your academic abilities away from the high-pressured environment of the exam room, making it ideal for those who don’t perform to the best of their abilities in exams. However, the time you have available for coursework, in contrast with the time constraints of the exam room, can lull some students into a false sense of security. Coursework is arguably just as challenging as exams, just in different ways – and, given the fact that you have more time, much higher standards are expected of you in coursework than in exams. Careful planning and research are needed for successful coursework, as well as strong data-gathering and essay-writing skills. In this article, we look at how to produce excellent coursework, from planning to proofreading. This information might also be useful to you if you’re planning on attending an Oxford Summer School this summer.

What is coursework?

GCSE and A-level coursework typically takes the form of an extended essay or project. Its objectives vary from one subject to another, but there’s usually an emphasis on the student conducting independent research into a topic of their own choice. Thus coursework often takes the form of some sort of investigation; it may, therefore, help to have your ‘detective’ hat on as you explore, investigate and analyse your topic. You can usually work on your coursework at home, though it’s sometimes completed under controlled conditions through sessions at school. To give you a better idea of how coursework varies from one subject to another, here are some examples:

• English – English coursework usually takes the form of an extended essay with a title of your choice. You’re usually given a choice of themes and/or texts to explore, and you could choose a format such as a comparison between a set text and another one.
• Geography – Geography coursework usually focuses on the gathering, reporting and interpretation of data designed to answer a particular geographical question. You could investigate usage of a shopping centre, for example, or look at erosion on a particular beach.
• Sciences – coursework for science subjects often takes the form of a scientific project or experiment that you conduct and report on yourself.

Before you start work on your coursework, it’s essential that you have a thorough understanding of the rules. Failing to conform to the rules – inadvertently or not – may result in your coursework (or possibly even your entire qualification) being disqualified, so it’s a serious matter.

• No plagiarism – this is particularly dangerous given the ready availability of relevant information on the internet these days. Make sure everything is in your own words; you’ll need to sign a declaration stating that it’s your own original work.
• There’s only so much help your teacher can give you . They can provide guidance on what you need to include, and on what the examiners will be looking for. You can ask them questions, but they’ll usually only be able to check through your first draft once and offer broad hints on updating it.
• Check the word count , and stick to it. Find out whether footnotes, appendices and bibliographies are included in the word count.
• Check what topics you’re allowed to do your coursework on; if there’s an exam on this topic, you’ll almost certainly have to choose a different one for your coursework.

Choose your topic wisely

Ideally, choose something you’re genuinely interested in, as your enthusiasm will come across and you’ll find it more enjoyable to write. If there’s something you’ve been working on for the course so far that you’ve particularly enjoyed, you may be able to focus more on this as part of your coursework. For science coursework, you’ll need to choose something to investigate that you can measure, change and control; it should be what’s called a ‘fair test’, meaning that you have to acknowledge all the controls you use in the experiment and why. Try not to pick a topic for which the scope is too vast, as you’ll struggle to research it properly and you’re unlikely to do it justice, and it’ll be hard to keep within the word limit. Ask your teachers for some guidance on choosing your topic if you’re not sure what to write about; they might even tell you a bit about what previous students have done to give you some inspiration.

Plan how long it’s going to take

Never leave your coursework until the last minute, even if this is your normal approach to essays and it usually works for you. Make sure you understand when the deadlines are, including time for submitting a first draft for comments from your teacher. Then schedule blocks of time for working on it, allowing plenty of time before the deadline to cater for any unexpected delays. Allow ample time for making corrections based on teacher feedback on your first draft, and keep some time aside before the deadline for final editing and proofreading. Because actual deadlines are few and far between, you’ll need to take responsibility for the writing process and impose some deadlines on yourself to ensure it’s finished in time. Write down your deadlines on a calendar, with the coursework broken into stages and dates assigned to each, by which time each task should be complete. You can base your stages on the next few points in this article – research and data gathering, a structure plan for the piece of work, writing up, and so on.

Conducting your research and gathering data

As coursework is primarily a research exercise, the research phase is crucial, so don’t be tempted to skimp on it and go straight to writing up. Use as many different resources as you can to gather data: books, journals, newspapers, television, radio, the internet and anything else you think might be relevant. For science and Geography coursework, you’ll need to base your work on a hypothesis, so the research stage should start by coming up with at least one hypothesis, otherwise your research will lack direction. The research phase for some subjects may involve site visits for gathering data, so allow plenty of time for this, particularly if you need your parents to drive you somewhere to do so. If it’s a scientific experiment you’re conducting for your coursework, you’ll need to pay careful attention to planning the experiment using rigorous scientific methods (also noting what Health and Safety precautions you are taking), as well as reading up on the background and theory so that you have an idea of what to expect from the outcome of your experiment. In the research stage, make notes about what you expect to happen, so that you can later compare your expectations with what actually did happen. The experiment itself also forms part of the research and data-gathering stage for your science coursework; in the write-up stage, which we come onto shortly, you analyse and write up the results.

Plan your structure

Once you’ve completed your research, the process of writing up begins. Before you get down to the actual writing, however, it’s advisable to write a plan for how you’re going to structure it – essentially an essay plan for English coursework and other subjects for which the coursework is based on an extended essay. It’ll look slightly different from an essay plan for science subjects and others that revolve around project work, but the principle is the same: plan out what order you’re going to present your information in. For big projects, this is particularly important, because with a lot of information to convey, you risk being disorganised and waffling.

Writing up your project

For any coursework, but particularly coursework based around an extended essay, you’ll need to perfect your essay-writing abilities. For science coursework, writing up your project also involves data analysis, as you interpret the results of your experiment and work your notes into formal scientific language.

When you’re writing up, it’s important to find a place where you can work quietly, without distractions that could cause you to make careless errors. You wouldn’t want noise or distractions when you were in an exam room, so treat your coursework with the same reverence.

Supporting materials and images

For some subjects, namely the sciences and Geography, it would be appropriate to include images, graphs, charts, tables and so on in your coursework. For example, for Geography coursework, your extra material could include annotated images and maps of the site you’re talking about, plus tables, graphs and charts. An appendix could then detail your raw data; if, for example, your coursework focused on the results of a survey, you could put the raw survey responses in an appendix and provide summaries and analysis in the main body of the coursework.

Footnotes and bibliography

As we said earlier, it’s important that you always use your own words in your coursework to avoid the possibility of falling foul of plagiarism rules. However, it’s acceptable to quote from another source, as you would in any piece of academic writing, but you must make sure that you state where it is from and use quotation marks to show that it’s a quote from somewhere else. The best way of citing another work is to use a footnote; word processors will allow you to insert one, and it just puts a little number at the end of the sentence and another in the footer of the document, into which you put the name of the author and work, and the page within that work that the quote can be found. At the end of your piece of work, include a bibliography that includes a list of every external source you’ve used in the creation of your coursework. Stick to a set formula when including books. A common format is: Author Surname, Initial. (Date) – Title of Book , page number For example: Lewis, C.S. (1960) – Studies in Words , p. 45 When you get to university, you’ll be expected to include footnotes and bibliographies in all your essays, so it’s a good habit to get into and coursework gives you good practice at it.

The final pre-submission check

Having completed a first draft, received feedback from your teacher, and honed your work into a finished piece of coursework, have a final check through it before you send off your coursework for submission.

• Sense check : have a read through your completed piece of work and check that it all makes sense. Make sure you haven’t contradicted yourself anywhere, or repeated yourself, or laboured the point. If there are any facts that you may have meant to look up to double check their accuracy, do so now.
• Word count : ensure that the completed work falls within the word count, and double check whether the bibliography should be included in the word count. If you’ve exceeded it, you’ll need to work through the piece and tighten up your writing, omitting unnecessary information, reordering sentences so that they use fewer words, and so on.
• Proofread : check your spelling and grammar, and ensure that there are no typos. Don’t just use the spellcheck – go through it with a fine toothcomb, manually, and if you can, ask someone to read through it for you to see if they spot anything you haven’t.
• Formatting : check that you’ve included page numbers, and that the font and line spacing is consistent throughout the work. Ensure that the font is plain and easy to read, such as Arial or Times New Roman.
• Bibliography : check that you’ve included everything, that the format is the same for all sources mentioned, and that the right information is included for each.

Once this stage is complete, you’re ready to submit your coursework along with your declaration that it’s entirely your own work. Get ready for a feeling of immense satisfaction when you finally send off your hard work!

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Coursework vs Exams: What’s Easier? (Pros and Cons)

In A-Level , GCSE , General by Think Student Editor September 12, 2023 Leave a Comment

Coursework and exams are two different techniques used to assess students on certain subjects. Both of these methods can seem like a drag when trying to get a good grade, as they both take so many hours of work! However, is it true that one of these assessment techniques is easier than the other? Some students pick subjects specifically because they are only assessed via coursework or only assessed via exams, depending on what they find easiest. However, could there be a definite answer to what is the easiest?

If you want to discover whether coursework or exams are easier and the pros and cons of these methods, check out the rest of this article!

Disclaimer: This article is solely based on one student’s opinion. Every student has different perspectives on whether coursework or exams are easier. Therefore, the views expressed in this article may not align with your own.

Table of Contents

Coursework vs exams: what’s easier?

The truth is that whether you find coursework or exams easier depends on you and how you like to work. Different students learn best in different ways and as a result, will have differing views on these two assessment methods.

Coursework requires students to complete assignments and essays throughout the year which are carefully graded and moderated. This work makes up a student’s coursework and contributes to their final grade.

In comparison, exams often only take place at the end of the year. Therefore, students are only assessed at one point in the year instead of throughout. All of a student’s work then leads up to them answering a number of exams which make up their grade.

There are pros and cons for both of these methods, depending on how you learn and are assessed best. Therefore, whether you find coursework or exams easier or not depends on each individual.

Is coursework easier than exams?

Some students believe that coursework is easier than exams. This is because it requires students to work on it all throughout the year, whilst having plenty of resources available to them.

As a result, there is less pressure on students at the end of the year, as they have gradually been able to work hard on their coursework, which then determines their grade. If you do coursework at GCSE or A-Level, you will generally have to complete an extended essay or project.

Some students find this easier than exams because they have lots of time to research and edit their essays, allowing the highest quality of work to be produced. You can discover more about coursework and tips for how to make it stand out if you check out this article from Oxford Royale.

However, some students actually find coursework harder because of the amount of time it takes and all of the research involved. Consequently, whether you prefer coursework or not depends on how you enjoy learning.

What are the cons of coursework?

As already hinted at, the main con of coursework is the amount of time it takes. In my experience, coursework was always such a drag because it took up so much of my time!

When you hear that you have to do a long essay, roughly 2000-3000 words, it sounds easily achievable. However, the amount of research you have to do is immense, and then editing and reviewing your work takes even more time.

Coursework should not be over and done within a week. It requires constant revisits and rephrasing, as you make it as professional sounding and high quality as possible. Teachers are also unable to give lots of help to students doing coursework. This is because it is supposed to be an independent project.

Teachers are able to give some advice, however not too much support. This can be difficult for students who are used to being given lots of help.

You also have to be very careful with what you actually write. If you plagiarise anything that you have written, your coursework could be disqualified. Therefore, it is very important that you pay attention to everything you write and make sure that you don’t copy explicitly from other websites. This can make coursework a risky assessment method.

You are allowed to use websites for research, however you must reference them correctly. This can be a difficult skill for some students to learn also!

What are the pros of coursework?

Some of the cons of coursework already discussed can actually be seen as pros by some students! Due to coursework being completed throughout the year, this places less pressure on students, as they don’t have to worry about final exams completely determining their grade.

Some subjects require students to sit exams and complete some coursework. However, if a student already knows that they have completed some high-quality coursework when it comes to exam season, they are less likely to place pressure on themselves. They know that their coursework could save their grade even if they don’t do very well on the exam.

A lot of coursework also requires students to decide what they want to research or investigate. This allows students to be more creative, as they decide what to research, depending on the subject. This can make school more enjoyable and also give them more ideas about what they want to do in the future.

If you are about to sit your GCSEs and are thinking that coursework is the way to go, check out this article from Think Student to discover which GCSE subjects require students to complete coursework.

What are the cons of exams?

Personally, I hated exams! Most students share this opinion. After all, so much pressure is put on students to complete a set of exams at the end of the school year. Therefore, the main con of sitting exams is the amount of pressure that students are put under.

Unlike coursework, students are unable to go back and revisit the answers to their exams over many weeks. Instead, after those 2 (ish) hours are up, you have to leave the exam hall and that’s it! Your grade will be determined from your exams.

This can be seen as not the best method, as it doesn’t take student’s performances throughout the rest of the year into account. Consequently, if a student is just having a bad day and messes up one of their exams, nothing can be done about it!

If you are struggling with exam stress at the moment, check out this article from Think Student to discover ways of dealing with it.

Exams also require an immense amount of revision which takes up time and can be difficult for students to complete. If you want to discover some revision tips, check out this article from Think Student.

What are the pros of exams?

Exams can be considered easier however because they are over with quickly. Unlike coursework, all students have to do is stay in an exam hall for a couple of hours and it’s done! If you want to discover how long GCSE exams generally last, check out this article from Think Student.

Alternatively, you can find out how long A-Level exams are in this article from Think Student. There is no need to work on one exam paper for weeks – apart from revising of course!

Revising for exams does take a while, however revising can also be beneficial because it increases a student’s knowledge. Going over information again and again means that the student is more likely to remember it and use it in real life. This differs greatly from coursework.

Finally, the main advantage of exams is that it is much harder to cheat in any way. Firstly, this includes outright cheating – there have been issues in the past with students getting other people to write their coursework essays.

However, it also includes the help you get. Some students may have an unfair advantage if their teachers offer more help and guidance with coursework than at other schools. In an exam, it is purely the student’s work.

While this doesn’t necessarily make exams easier than coursework, it does make them fairer, and is the reason why very few GCSEs now include coursework.

If you want to discover more pros and cons of exams, check out this article from AplusTopper.

What type of student is coursework and exams suited to?

You have probably already gathered from this article whether exams or coursework are easier. This is because it all depends on you. Hopefully, the pros and cons outlined have helped you to decide whether exams or coursework is the best assessment method for you.

If you work well under pressure and prefer getting assessed all at once instead of gradually throughout the year, then exams will probably be easier for you. This is also true if you are the kind of person that leaves schoolwork till the last minute! Coursework will definitely be seen as difficult for you if you are known for doing this!

However, if, like me, you buckle under pressure and prefer having lots of time to research and write a perfect essay, then you may find coursework easier. Despite this, most GCSE subjects are assessed via exams. Therefore, you won’t be able to escape all exams!

As a result, it can be useful to find strategies that will help you work through them. This article from Think Student details a range of skills and techniques which could be useful to use when you are in an exam situation.

Exams and coursework are both difficult in their own ways – after all, they are used to thoroughly assess you! Depending on how you work best, it is your decision to decide whether one is easier than the other and which assessment method this is.

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GCSE Grades and Percentages: The GCSE Grading System Explained

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (or GCSE) is a UK-based academic qualification, usually taken by students at 16 years old. 

With subjects ranging from the sciences to language, sports and the arts, GCSEs are a crucial part of students’ educational journey. But with so many options, understanding GCSE grades and percentages can be tricky.

Among your options, English and Maths GCSEs are particularly pivotal, often listed as essential requirements for post-16 education and employment. So in this article, we’ll focus on the grading of GCSE English and Maths, with everything you need to know about how grades and percentages correlate.

Here are GCSE grades, explained.

Table of Contents

What is the GCSE grading system?

The GCSE grading system is standardised across the country, so it’s fair no matter which exam board you’re studying with. It underwent a significant overhaul in 2017, transitioning from traditional A*-G grades to a numerical system ranging from 9 to 1. Now, 9 is the highest grade (equivalent to a high A* under the old system), while 1 is the lowest.  

This new GCSE grading system aims to provide more differentiation among the highest-achieving students. 

Instead of just A* or A at the top level, the new 7 at GCSE roughly equates with a low A. Grade 8 is equivalent to a high A or low A*, and grade 9 represents the highest academic achievement.

How do GCSE grades and percentages work?

A combination of coursework, practical assessments and final exams determine GCSE grades. But final exams (taken at the end of a two-year course) generally carry the most weight. 

GCSE exam boards (such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC Eduqas) set grade boundaries each year, based on exam difficulty and student performance. So this means the percentage for a particular grade varies from year to year, and subject to subject. 

Generally though, you’ll find rough percentages align with grades. Before we go into specific details for GCSE English and Maths, here are the 2023 grade boundaries (across all subjects) for each exam board.

• AQA 2023 Grade Boundaries
• Edexcel 2023 Grade Boundaries
• OCR 2023 Grade Boundaries
• WJEC Eduqas Grade Boundaries

What is the pass mark for GCSE Maths?

For GCSE Maths (and all GCSE subjects), a grade 4 is considered a standard pass. This equates to a low C under the previous grading system. 

Across England, only 67.8% of GCSE grades were at grade 4 or above.

The percentage you’ll need to achieve a grade 4 varies, but it typically falls around 40-60% for GCSE Foundation Maths. For Higher Tier students, you’ll only need around 10-25% to secure a grade 4 “pass”.

Here are the 2023 pass marks for each exam board.

GCSE Higher Maths: Grade 4 Boundaries

• AQA : 59 out of 240 marks (25%)
• Edexcel : 47 out of 240 marks (20%)
• OCR : 39 out of 300 marks (13%)
• WJEC Eduqas : 32 out of 240 marks (13%)

GCSE Foundation Maths: Grade 4 Boundaries

• AQA : 158 out of 240 marks (66%)
• Edexcel : 147 out of 240 marks (61%)
• OCR : 129 out of 300 marks (43%)
• WJEC Eduqas : 105 out of 240 marks (44%)

If you’re preparing for GCSE Maths, read our complete guide to the GCSE Maths syllabus , as well as Maths GCSE exam boards and the lowdown on revision websites like Corbett Maths and Maths Genie.

What is the pass mark for GCSE English?

Similarly to GCSE Maths, a standard pass for GCSE English is a grade 4. Likewise, the percentage you’ll need changes each year, but it ranges from about 30-50%. 

Here are the 2023 pass marks for GCSE English Language and English Literature.

GCSE English Language: Grade 4 Boundaries

• AQA : 71 out of 160 marks (44%)
• Edexcel : 80 out of 160 marks (50%)
• OCR : 69 out of 160 marks (43%)
• WJEC Eduqas : 75 out of 200 marks (38%)

GCSE English Literature: Grade 4 Boundaries

• AQA : 57 out of 160 marks (36%)
• Edexcel : 67 out of 160 marks (42%)
• OCR : 49 out of 160 marks (31%)
• WJEC Eduqas : 85 out of 200 marks (43%)

Achieving a grade 4 in Maths and English is pretty important, as it’s a common requirement for further education and professional jobs. Understand how your GCSE grades affect your post-16 choices (and what options are available), with our in-depth guide .

If you’re preparing for your GCSE English exams, don’t miss our tips for exam success in English Language and how to get a grade 9 in English Literature .

What GCSE grade is 40%?

As you can see, it differs.

A score of 40% might just be enough to secure a pass in WJEC Eduqas English Language. It might also get you there with AQA or OCR English Literature. 

But for English in general, a score of 40% typically falls into the grade 3 category, which is below the standard pass mark for GCSE. 

In Higher Maths however, a score of 40% equals a grade 5 or above. With OCR and Eduqas, it gets you a grade 6!

If you’ve just fallen short of a grade 4 in GCSE English or Maths, the good news is you’ve got plenty of options. You can have your papers reviewed (known as an appeal) or resit your exams. As part of this, academic coaching is useful to help you unpick any problem areas. 

If resits aren’t an option, apprenticeships or vocational qualifications like BTECs generally have more flexible entry requirements.

What is 70% in GCSE grades?

A score of 70% will usually get you a grade 7 or 8 at GCSE, depending on the subject and your exam board’s grade boundaries for that year. 

Here are the percentages you’ll need to reach a grade 8 in English and Maths. Most are just above or below the 70% mark.

GCSE English Language: Grade 8 Boundaries

• AQA : 111 out of 160 marks (69%)
• Edexcel : 122 out of 160 marks (76%)
• OCR : 118 out of 160 marks (74%)
• WJEC Eduqas : 132 out of 200 marks (66%)

GCSE English Literature: Grade 8 Boundaries

• AQA : 119 out of 160 marks (74%)
• Edexcel : 121 out of 160 marks (76%)
• WJEC Eduqas : 141 out of 200 marks (71%)

GCSE Higher Maths: Grade 8 Boundaries

• AQA : 186 out of 240 marks (78%)
• Edexcel : 174 out of 240 marks (73%)
• OCR : 193 out of 300 marks (64%)
• WJEC Eduqas : 152 out of 240 marks (63%)

We should also mention that for GCSE Foundation Maths, grade 5 is the highest possible score, even if you achieve 70% or more . Here are the percentages you’ll need to reach grade 5.

GCSE Foundation Maths: Grade 5 Boundaries

• AQA : 189 out of 240 marks (79%)
• Edexcel : 182 out of 240 marks (76%)
• OCR : 178 out of 300 marks (60%)
• WJEC Eduqas : 133 out of 240 marks (55%)

Is 7 a good GCSE grade?

Yes, a grade 7 is a very good GCSE grade! 

A grade 7 is well above average, equivalent to a high A under the old grading system. It indicates strong exam performance, plenty of dedication and a firm grasp of your subject matter. 

Across England, only 20.7% of GCSE grades were at grade 7 or above. So if you’re in this minority, well done.

In Maths, only 17.5% of grades were 7 or above. For English Language, it’s 16.3% and English Literature is 21% . So a grade 7 is even more impressive for English and Maths!

What GCSE grade is 80%?

An 80% score on your GCSE exams will generally get you at least a grade 8. In some cases, you might even get a grade 9.

It represents a very high level of achievement, indicating you’ve excelled in your understanding and application of your subjects.

In Maths, 80% would get you a grade 9 with Edexcel and Eduqas. It’s probably a grade 8 with AQA and just on the cusp with OCR.

For English Language, 80% is a grade 9 for AQA and Eduqas, but a grade 8 for Edexcel and OCR. In English Literature, it will secure you a grade 9 with Eduqas, but a grade 8 with all the other exam boards.

Here are the scores you’ll need for a grade 9 in English and Maths.

GCSE English Language: Grade 9 Boundaries

• AQA : 121 out of 160 marks (75%)
• Edexcel : 131 out of 160 marks (81%)
• OCR : 129 out of 160 marks (81%)
• WJEC Eduqas : 145 out of 200 marks (73%)

GCSE English Literature: Grade 9 Boundaries

• AQA : 135 out of 160 marks (84%)
• Edexcel : 132 out of 160 marks (83%)
• OCR : 134 out of 160 marks (84%)
• WJEC Eduqas : 153 out of 200 marks (77%)

GCSE Higher Maths: Grade 9 Boundaries

• AQA : 214 out of 240 marks (89%)
• Edexcel : 203 out of 300 marks (68%)
• OCR : 242 out of 300 marks (80%)
• WJEC Eduqas : 187 out of 240 marks (78%)

Is a 9 in GCSE 90%?

Last but not least, we’ve reached the highest grade possible at GCSE: grade 9.

Like all the other grades we’ve discussed, a grade 9 doesn’t correspond to a fixed percentage like 90%. Instead, it represents the very highest level of academic attainment at GCSE. 

While the exact percentage required for a grade 9 varies each year, a score of 90% should reliably get you there!

Are you looking for help with your GCSE studies?

Understanding the GCSE grading system and exam percentages is crucial for students wanting to improve their academic progress. 

As GCSE English and Maths are core subjects, achieving good grades in these exams is particularly important. So if you need help with your GCSEs, get in touch today . Our expert team of tutors will deepen your understanding, develop effective study strategies, build confidence and help you achieve your academic goals.

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IGCSE vs GCSE: 5 Differences You Should Know in 2023

GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) mark the completion of Secondary Education in the UK. British students typically will take their GCSE exams at the end of Year 11 when they are 16 years old.

Students outside of the UK who are interested in UK education qualifications will have heard also of IGCSEs .

Both are taken by students around the world, before they move onto their pre-university education.

Are you thinking about obtaining a UK official high school completion qualification and don't know whether IGCSE or GCSE is the best option for you?

This comparison guide will help you understand the differences and make the right choice.

Here’s an overview of what we’ll be covering:

• What are GCSEs
• What are IGCSEs
• What are the differences between IGCSE and GCSE

Table of Contents

What are gcses, what are igcses.

Differences betweek IGCSE and GCSE

Is IGCSE or GCSE better for you?

Wrapping Up

The GCSE — or ‘ General Certificate of Secondary Education ’ — is taken by most high school students in the UK at the end of their 11 years of compulsory education.

The GCSE is predominantly taught at schools in the UK , but is also offered at institutions in some other countries such as Australia , Canada and India .

Why is GCSE important?

GCSEs are internationally recognised as an exceptional official high school qualification and act as the gateway to further academic study in the UK.

A GCSE course leads to the official examination which completes High School education in the UK. It’s designed for students aged 14+ who want to progress to A-levels before entering UK university.

Your GCSE results are a very important step in your academic journey , and will affect which qualifications and subjects you take next, your eligibility for your chosen university and course, and even your career prospects later down the line. Many employers require job applicants to meet their minimum requirement in Maths and English at GCSE level.

GCSE subjects

GCSEs are available in a huge range of subjects including English language and Literature, Mathematics, Economics, Geography, History, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. You can also choose to study a number of non-English languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, Greek and Urdu.

At Kings , our core GCSE programme includes Maths , English , Study Skills , Science , ICT , and either Geography or Humanities . These are studied alongside an enrichment programme covering PSHE and Citizenship , Physical Education , and Creative Arts .

This deliberately broad subject range is designed to allow our students to access any type of post-16 programme that they might be interested in, such as A-Levels, IB, or Foundation.

GCSE Exam boards

There are 5 GCSE examination boards used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland — A QA , Pearson Edexcel , OCR , CCEA , and WJEC . All 5 examination boards are additionally regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).

At Kings , we use AQA and Edexcel for GCSEs.

Do universities accept GCSE?

Yes — GCSEs are the most well-known and highly regarded pre-A-level qualification for students in the UK.

At the time of applying to university, students will only have their GCSE results and their predicted A-level grades, so this is the information that a university will base its offer on (along with other considerations such as your overall academic profile, personal statement, extracurricular activities, hobbies, etc.).

How to calculate GCSE marks

GCSE results are graded from 9 – 1 , which replaced the old A* – G grading system in the last few years. Grades 9 – 7 are equivalent to A* – A ; 6 – 4 are equivalent to B – C ; 3 – 2 are equivalent to D – G .

The way that GCSE grades are calculated depends on the individual subject and exam format, but generally, your GCSE results are determined by the total number of marks you obtain in the exam paper, adjusted if necessary to reflect the overall attainment on a particular exam paper by all students who have taken the same paper in that exam session.

Grade boundaries for GCSEs vary depending on the subject and the exam board.

How to choose GCSE subjects

At state schools in the UK, GCSEs in English literature, English language, Maths and Science are compulsory for all students. Alongside these ‘core’ subjects, students can choose from a number of different subjects in areas such as arts, humanities, STEM and sports.

Generally, students will take a minimum of 5, up to a maximum of 9 – 12 subjects at GCSE. It’s important to remember that top-ranking universities will consider the quality of the GCSEs that you have taken rather than the quantity . Taking a smaller number of GCSEs will not inhibit your chances of a successful application, as long as you achieve strong grades in the subjects that you take.

Your GCSE subject choices should be based on your own interests, your future study and career plans, and of course which subjects your school offers.

You should think about which subjects you want to study at A-level and university and research whether the GCSEs you choose will enable you to embark on further study within your chosen area. If you already know which degree courses or universities you are interested in, you should check whether they specify any particular GCSE subjects in their prerequisites.

How to check GCSE results online?

Your GCSE exam results will be released by the exam boards to the school or college that you attended. You should contact your school on GCSE results day to find out your final grade.

Some schools may have their own internal system for viewing GCSE results online, so you should check with your school’s exams officer to see if this is an option for you.

Back to top

IGCSE stands for “International General Certificate of Secondary Education” . It is equivalent to the GCSE qualification which is taken by students in Year 10 – 11 in the UK to prepare them for further pre-university level study, such as A-levels.

The IGCSE is the ‘international’ version of this academic qualification as it’s available in many countries around the world. In the UK, the IGCSE is typically taught at international schools or private schools, rather than at state schools.

Why are IGCSEs important?

IGCSEs are internationally recognised as a highly-respected official high school qualification and act as the gateway to further academic study in the UK and beyond.

IGCSE examinations signal the completion of High School education, and are designed for students aged 14+ who want to progress on to A-levels – or other international equivalents – before entering university.

Undergraduate courses at UK universities will specify that applicants need to meet certain requirements at IGCSE level to receive an offer, as well as obtaining the required A-level grades.

Many employers also require job applicants to meet their minimum requirements in Maths and English IGCSEs (or equivalent).

IGCSE subjects

IGCSEs are available in a huge range of subjects including English language and Literature, Mathematics, Economics, Geography, History, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They are also available in a number of non-English languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, Greek and Urdu.

At Kings , our core IGCSE programme includes Maths , English , Study Skills , Science , ICT , and either Geography or Humanities . These are studied alongside an enrichment programme covering PSHE and Citizenship , Physical Education , and Creative Arts .

IGCSE Exam Boards

IGCSEs are accredited by either Cambridge (Cambridge International Examinations) or Edexcel (Pearson Edexcel) exam boards.

At Kings , the exam boards that we use across our 4 UK schools for IGCSEs vary from school-to-school.

How to calculate IGCSE marks

IGCSE results were traditionally graded from A* – G, however, from June 2017, schools in England began introducing a 9 – 1 grading system for IGCSEs.

• Cambridge — the A* – G system is still in place for the majority of students and countries, however the new 9 – 1 system is available on an optional basis for schools in certain regions.
• Pearson Edexcel – all International GCSEs are now awarded using the new nine point grading scale.

The way that IGCSE grades are calculated depends on the individual subject and exam format, but generally, your IGCSE results are determined by the total number of marks you obtain in the exam paper, adjusted if necessary to reflect the overall attainment on a particular exam paper by all students who have taken the same paper in that exam session. Grade boundaries for IGCSEs vary depending on the subject and the exam board.

How to choose your IGCSE subjects

Most schools require students to take a minimum of 5 or 6 IGCSE subjects which must include the 3 compulsory subjects of English, Science and Maths. Alongside these ‘core’ subjects, students can choose from a number of different subjects in areas such as arts, humanities, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and sports.

Your IGCSE subject choices should take into account your own interests, your future study and career plans, the subjects you have studied and done well in so far, and of course which IGCSE subjects your school offers.

You should think about which subjects you want to study at A-level (or pre-university A-level equivalents such as International Baccalaureate or Foundation) and at university.

If you already know which degree subjects or universities you are interested in, you should check whether they specify any particular GCSE subject grades in their prerequisites.

It’s important to remember that top-ranking universities will consider the quality of the IGCSEs that you have taken rather than the quantity . Taking a smaller number of IGCSEs will not inhibit your chances of a successful application, as long as you achieve strong grades in the subjects that you take.

How to check IGCSE results online?

• Cambridge - results can be accessed online for Cambridge IGCSEs for most students. Your school will be able to provide a code/login to enable you to access your results online.
• Pearson Edexcel - results can be released to students via the ‘ ResultsPlus Direct ’ system from 9am on results day. The school exams officer needs to have registered you for the online service in advance.

Differences between IGCSE and GCSE

Historically, the main difference between the IGCSE and the GCSE qualification was the inclusion of a greater amount of coursework within the GCSE syllabus, whereas the IGCSE had been mainly assessed through final exams at the end of the course. This was due to the fact that IGCSEs had been designed for international students who do not speak English as a first language.

In recent years however, the UK government has changed the format of GCSEs to remove much of the coursework and now assesses and assigns final grades for many subjects based predominantly on the end of course exams. Therefore, the differences between the IGCSE and GCSE are now very minor.

We will cover a few of the key remaining differences below.

Difference #1: Course content

The GCSE course content has traditionally been designed for a primarily British rather than international audience, and this is reflected in the course content for certain subjects. For example, Shakespeare is a compulsory part of GCSE English Literature, whereas it is optional for IGCSE English.

There are also some differences in terms of which topics must be covered in the syllabuses for other Humanities for subjects such as History and Geography between the IGCSE and GCSE.

Difference #2: Exam dates

GCSE exams are sat annually in May – June , with resits available in November .

IGCSE exams are available in November and January (for certain subjects) and also in May – June each year.

Difference #3: Availability by country

As mentioned earlier, GCSE qualifications are only available in the UK and certain schools in a small number of other countries such as Canada, Australia and India.

The IGCSE is by nature ‘ international ’ and can be taken in over 150 countries worldwide.

Some international schools in the UK choose to offer IGCSEs rather than GCSEs as it facilitates transfers from other countries to the UK mid-course more easily. For example, a student may have completed 1 year of IGCSEs in their home country, and they decide to go abroad to study and pick-up where they left off.

Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

IGCSE qualifications have traditionally been perceived by some people as “harder” than GCSEs because the final results were solely based on the end-of-course examinations, rather than offering the opportunity for students to complete coursework to contribute towards their final grades. However, recent changes to the GCSE course format in the UK which have been introduced since 2017 mean that this difference is no longer relevant.

Is IGCSE equivalent to GCSE?

The GCSE and the IGCSE are very similar and are accepted as ‘ equivalent ’ qualifications by the vast majority of universities, sixth form colleges and other independent schools around the world.

Do UK universities accept GCSE and IGCSE?

Yes, both IGCSEs and GCSEs are accepted for entry to universities in the UK.

The UK’s ‘ Russell Group ’ universities — an association of 24 prestigious public research universities including Oxford , Cambridge , LSE and Durham University — recently confirmed that they did not make any distinction between IGCSEs and GCSEs when considering students for acceptance into their Undergraduate programmes.

Is IGCSE or GCSE Better for you?

In reality, the difference between GCSEs and IGCSEs are so minor, that either option should be perceived as ‘better’ or ‘worse’ than the other one.

Both IGCSEs and GCSEs are highly-regarded high school qualifications that are universally accepted by top-ranking universities and other educational institutions both in the UK and beyond.

Many international colleges will offer a combination of GCSEs and IGCSEs based on the syllabuses that they find works best for their students in each subject.

Finding a school that is right for you and studying subjects that will allow you to successfully progress onto the next step in your academic journey is the most important thing.

In this article, we’ve looked at what IGCSEs and GCSEs are, the main differences between the two, and how to decide which out of the two options are the best for you.

GCSEs and IGCSEs are recognised around the world as an exceptional official high school qualification, and a gateway to further academic study in the UK.

Did you know that at Kings , we offer GCSE courses at all four of our UK colleges in Brighton , Bournemouth , London and Oxford ?

You can choose from an accelerated 1-year programme at all our locations, or follow a standard GCSE programme of 4 – 6 terms (2 years) in Bournemouth.

At Kings Bournemouth, London and Oxford , the majority of the subjects taught are IGCSEs . At Kings Brighton , most subjects are GCSEs .

For more information on GCSE courses at Kings , or if you have any questions that aren’t answered here, get in touch with us today via our Live Chat or Enquiry form.

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Studying in the UK

10 Jan 2022

An Introduction to GCSEs

GCSEs are a hugely important part of your secondary education. Read our introductory guide to find out what they are and what you can expect when studying for them.

by Katie Broadbent · 11 min read

In England, from the very moment you start secondary school as an excitable year 7, to the all-important decision-making period of year 9, the acronym ‘GCSE’ will be drilled into you as one of - if not the most - important part of your secondary education. 

It’s true. Your GCSEs do play a significant role in your future studies and the type of career you could end up pursuing in the future. And it’s important you have a good understanding of what they are ahead of time so that you can prepare as best as possible. 

That’s why we’ve pulled together a handy introduction - for students to familiarise themselves with the GCSE part of secondary school. Take a look below for a comprehensive guide to these qualifications, as well answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about them.

What are GCSEs?

In England, education is divided into 4 Key Stages. The last of these, Key Stage 4 (KS4), is taught to students in years 10 and 11 at secondary school, when students are usually aged between 14 to 16 years old.  

The courses studied in KS4 are called GCSEs, which are studied over the two year period. They are assessed by a combination of coursework (albeit only a small amount) and, most importantly, written exams which mainly take place in the summer term of year 11 - at the end of your two years of study.

GCSEs contribute significantly to a student’s future career, and are recognised as the first of the major academic achievements in a student’s journey.  Final exam results and grades can impact everything from which A-Levels you’ll study and where; universities can and will also look at your GCSE grades during the admissions process; and some companies that you may apply to work for in the future may even ask for copies of your GCSE certificates as part of the recruitment process. 

If you take just one thing away from this article about GCSEs: they’re pretty important.

What does GCSE stand for?

The initials ‘GCSE’ stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. It’s a replacement for old O-Levels (Ordinary Levels) and CSEs (Certificates of Secondary Education), which were replaced back in 1986 with the modern GCSE that we know and study today. 

What year do you do GCSE?

In England, GCSEs are typically taken by school students aged between 14-16. In school years, this is year 10 to year 11, with most assessments and examinations taking place in the spring and summer term of year 11. 

Do the whole of the UK study for GCSEs?

No, GCSEs are only studied by secondary school students in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland and Wales follow a different curriculum.

In broad terms, National 5 (N5) qualifications are the Scottish equivalent of the GCSE. In Wales, the Welsh Baccalaureate is studied during the same period as GCSEs. 

What are the GCSE grades?

In 2015, as part of a curriculum change in schools in England, reforms to GCSEs were introduced to make courses more challenging for students. This included a reduction in the amount of coursework that students would need to complete during their two years of study, instead putting more emphasis on final exams to determine a student’s final grade for a subject. 

These reforms included changes to the grading system, which first affected GCSE students in 2017/18. In England, GCSEs are now graded on a numerical scale, from 9 to 1, rather than from A to E. The highest grade is 9, while 1 is the lowest, not including a U (ungraded). 

How the new grading system compares with the previous one

In the new GCSE reforms, qualifications are awarded on a sliding grade scale from 9 to 1. Below, you’ll find a comparison of the previous GCSE grading structure against the new marking system:

A* = Grade 8/Grade 9

A = Grade 7/Grade 8

B = Grade 5/Grade 6

C = Grade 4/Grade 5

D = Grade 3/Grade 4

E = Grade 2/Grade 3

F = Grade 1/Grade 2

G = Grade 1

U = Ungraded

Grade boundaries are set arithmetically, hence why there are no ‘hard’ boundaries between the different grades. “For example, the boundaries at grades 5 and 6 will be set based on the difference in marks between grades 4 and 7; grade 5 will be set at one third of the difference in marks, and grade 6 at two thirds the difference in marks.” ( Pearson Education )

Historically, a grade ‘C’ was considered a pass at GCSE. Now, students need to achieve a 4 for a ‘standard pass’ and 5 for a ‘strong pass.’ This means that any candidate who achieves nine grade-4s has passed all their exams. However, many sixth forms and colleges are insisting on a minimum of 5s and 6s as a condition of entry.

Are there compulsory GCSE subjects?

When it comes to choosing your GCSEs, there is some freedom regarding which subjects you can study. However, there are some compulsory subjects you will need to study during your GCSE years, including:

English (usually taught as English Language and English Literature)

Mathematics

Science (usually divided into Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

Citizenship/Social Studies

Physical Education (PE)

Note: There are no exams in the latter two subjects). 

All other subjects you choose to study at GCSE level are optional and selected by you. 

‘Entitlement areas’ when choosing your GCSE subjects

When it comes to choosing your GCSE subjects, there are a wide variety of courses that are available to study. The only catch being is that your school needs to offer that particular course for you to be able to study it. 

To make access to students fair across the country, the British government set out ‘entitlement areas,’ where schools must provide access to a minimum of one course in each of the following areas:

The Arts: Art & Design, Dance, Media Studies, Music, Theatre Studies, etc.

Design and Technology: Engineering, Food Technology, Graphic Design, Product Design, Textiles, Woodwork, etc. 

The Humanities: History and Geography

Modern Foreign Languages: French, German, Spanish, etc.

As you begin to think about the GCSE subjects you may want to consider studying, make sure the ones you are interested in are offered at your school. As mentioned above, optional subjects for GCSE vary between schools, so you should always check before getting your heart set on a particular course.

How many GCSEs should you take?

Usually, your school will determine the number of GCSEs that you can take, which could be as many as 12 or as few as 7. The general average for a student to take is 9 . 

This number includes the three core subjects that all students have to study: English, Mathematics and Science, and then supplemented by subjects that you choose yourself. Usually, you will select your remaining GCSE options in year 9, the spring before you start studying at Key Stage 4 level.

How many GCSEs do I need for A-Levels?

In England and Northern Ireland, once you have completed your GCSEs, it’s likely that you will go on to apply for a sixth form college where you will then study for BTEC or A-Level qualifications. 

As a general rule of thumb, most sixth form colleges will ask for at least 5 GCSEs, graded between a 9 and a 4 . However, almost all colleges will require you to have at least a grade 4 in GCSE English and Maths. 

When it comes to any specific subject you want to pursue at A-Level, you will typically need to have achieved a grade 5 or 6 to be able to study that same subject at A-Level. Therefore, as a minimum you will need to achieve three or four grade 6’s - for your desired A-Level subjects, and then grade 4s (passes) in the remaining GCSE subjects. 

How many GCSEs do I need for university?

When applying to university , your A-Level grades will be a significant factor in the admissions process. However, admissions officers will also take your GCSE qualifications into account as an indication of your capabilities as a student.

Like sixth form colleges, universities will typically ask for a minimum of 5 GCSEs, graded between a 9 and a 4 , including English and Maths. Of course, any additional GCSEs you have achieved good grades in will demonstrate your ability to handle heavy workloads with ease - which they’ll like to see. However, as long as you have around 9 GCSEs between a grade 9 and 4, you shouldn’t worry about getting into a university.

Can I take more GCSEs than my school recommends?

With GCSEs bearing such a huge impact on your future education and career choices, it’s not uncommon for students to consider taking additional GCSE courses to try and boost their chances of success. 

As we’ve already covered, the average student takes 9 GCSEs. However, you can study more if you want - so long as your school can support it . 

It’s also important to emphasise that taking the average 9 GCSEs is a lot of work in itself. Studying for, revising and sitting all the necessary assessments and examinations takes a lot of time - in fact, it’s recommended that you should be studying an additional 1.5 hours per subject per week outside of school to succeed in your GCSEs.

Taking on additional GCSEs will obviously increase your workload significantly, which can add to stress and worry over those final exams. And sometimes, the more stress you put yourself under, the worse impact it can have on your ability to perform well in exams and assessments. You need to balance the number of GCSEs you take with how much work you can realistically achieve each week for them. 

If you have ambitions of taking more GCSEs than your school recommends, then there are a number of things you need to consider: 

Does my school support additional GCSEs? - First and foremost, you need the support of your school to be able to take the additional GCSEs. Book in a meeting with your academic tutor or head of year to see if this is a possibility. 

Can I manage the additional workload? - From the very first week of school in year 10 to the final weeks of exam season in year 11, you’ll need to be able to set aside at least an extra hour of study each week to study for each additional subject. Do you have the time to commit to this for two years?

Realistically, will additional GCSEs have much impact? You need to balance out your chances of success with the number of subjects you study. It’s better to perform well across the board than succeed in a handful of subjects while trying to study for lots. 

In any case, you should always consult your teachers, head of year, friends, family, and anyone else who has probably faced these same questions before for some advice. Key Stage 4 is an important part of your academic journey and you want to make sure you’re making the most informed decision possible - and, ultimately, once which will give you the most success.

GCSEs are an important part of any student's education. Taking place between year 10 and 11, they culminate with several assessments and examinations which play a big part in your future career. The results of your GCSEs can have a direct impact on which A-Levels, degree, and even job you do in later life. 

Take note of their importance over your future pathway. If you haven’t already, year 10 is definitely a time when you need to start working hard, spending a significant amount of time outside of school to ensure you achieve the best grades possible.

As stressful and as time consuming as it may sound, the benefits will far outweigh themselves in the future when you’re able to study and work towards your dream subject and/or career. 

Get a head-start on your GCSEs with Melio

Kick-start your GCSE studies early by studying with Melio . With a selection of core and elective subjects available to study, you can explore different course options ahead of your GCSE selection and gain a competitive head-start on your peers.

Study one-on-one with an expert tutor with our online Tutorials programme, where you can tailor your tutoring around your specific learning goals and interests.

Alternatively, for a more collaborative learning experience, you could join one of our 2-week Academic Online Courses , where you can study alongside a small group of students from around the world (no more than 10). Taught through a combination of live webinars, independent study and weekly tutorial sessions, they’re an excellent way to learn the fundamentals of a subject, quickly, in a fun online learning environment. 

To find out more about the different online learning options available, please contact our admissions team to speak with one of our advisors.

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by Aaron Wilkes | Jul 4, 2018

The new GCSEs explained – what’s changed and how the new grades work

GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are the main academic qualification taken in several subjects by the vast majority of pupils in secondary education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In England, there have been significant reforms to many topics studied within the subjects, as well as to the grading system and examinations themselves. So how do the new exams differ from the many previous variations you might be familiar with? When did the changes begin? And how does the new grading system compare to the well-known A* to G grades?

The changes begin

The new GCSE format was part of a large-scale programme of reforms introduced in England’s schools in 2014.

• The new courses include  much less coursework  (or controlled assessment) than before, with only some of the more practical subjects like dance, art and drama retaining this element of assessment.
• Most exams will now be taken at the end of a two-year course , removing the module system that was previously in place for some subjects where students took exams that counted towards a final grade along the way. This will make the exams at the end of the course more important, as students will be required to draw on what they have learned over several years of study. In many subjects, students will also be required to answer more essay-style questions, too.
• A new  9 to 1 grading system  is also being phased in.

The 9 to 1 grades

A new 9 to 1 grading scheme has been introduced by the Department for Education in the hope that the new GCSEs will ‘better differentiate between students of different abilities’ by allowing greater differentiation at the top levels. The table below shows how the new GCSE grades compare to the old ones – although the DfE is clear to point out that each grade cannot be directly compared, there are places where they can be aligned.

The new grades explained

The new Grade 9 has been introduced to allow colleges and universities to identify those students with exceptional ability in particular subject areas. A Grade 9 is not the equivalent of an A*. It is a grade that has been included to recognise the highest performing students. There will be fewer Grade 9s awarded than there were A*s previously. In fact, Dr Tim Leunig (the DfE’s chief analyst and chief scientific adviser) has predicted that under the new system only two students in the whole country will receive Grade 9s in every subject. So your child should not worry if they don’t achieve a Grade 9!

Grades 8, 7 and 6

Grade 8 sits roughly between an A* and an A grade. Grade 7 is equal to an A and Grade 6 sits just a bit higher than the old B Grade.

Grades 4 and 5

These grades represent a ‘pass’ mark, equivalent of an old C Grade. Grade 4 is considered a ‘standard pass’ and Grade 5 a ‘strong pass’. Schools will be measured by the number of students achieving a Grade 4 and above – but they will also be measured on the proportion of students who achieve a Grade 5 and above. It is hoped that the Grade 5 will be considered the benchmark when comparing educational establishments both in this country and abroad.

Grades 3, 2 and 1

These grades correspond to old GCSE grades D, E, F and G. Grade 3 ranks somewhere in-between a D and an E, whilst Grade 2 is somewhere between an E and an F. A Grade 1 is similar to an old G Grade, and a U grade still refers to an exam that has been ‘ungraded’ – it simply did not achieve sufficient marks to get onto the scale.

The GCSE timeline

English language, English literature and maths were the first to be graded from 9 to 1 in 2017. There is no Foundation Level in the new English GCSEs, so students of all abilities take the same exams. The vast majority of subjects will have 9 to 1 grading this year (2018), with most others following a year later. In science, for example, there are now fewer course options than previously, with most students taking either the new Combined Science course (worth two GCSEs) or three separate GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics. During this transition period, students will receive a mixture of number and letter grades.

Are GCSE exams changing everywhere?

New and revised GCSEs were introduced in Wales too, and have been taught since 2015. However, students in Wales will still receive their grades in the A* to G format. In Northern Ireland, three-quarters of GCSEs are awarded by their Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), which follows an A* to G grading system – but if students sit exams from other exam boards such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel or WJEC, they will also receive grades from 1 to 9. Students in Scotland follow an entirely different public examination system: Nationals and Highers.

Why are GCSE grades important?

There are number of different reasons why GCSE grades are important to students. When they choose a course at a college or sixth form, they will be given entry requirements for the course they have chosen. The grades are an indicator to colleges and sixth forms on how well the student might do on different courses, whether they are A-Level or vocational subjects. Some colleges and sixth forms may only allow your child to take particular subjects at A-Level if they have achieved some of the higher grades at GCSE.

Also, GCSEs are used as an indicator to universities. Most universities will look at the number of GCSEs achieved above a Grade 4. They may also require particular grades in specific subjects at GCSE when admitting students onto some of the courses they offer.

What happens if grades are lower than expected?

If your child doesn’t achieve the grade they expected, or they are disappointed with the grades they achieve, speak to their school and their teachers. They will be able to explain what your child’s options are. If some of the grades do not meet requirements, it is possible to re-sit several subjects including English and maths. It is often possible to re-sit these after you have started a new college course. Re-sits in other subjects can often be taken in the summer of the following year.

However, as a parent or carer, whatever grades your child is predicted to achieve, if you are unsure of what the grade means or how you can support them to achieve (or exceed) this grade, it is important you speak to their teachers who will be able to explain what is expected of them.

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AQA GCSE English Language: Targeting Grades 6–9: Revision Workbook

This full-colour write-in revision workbook focuses on how to achieve grades 6–9 by taking students through the individual exam questions and providing extensive practice opportunities, self-assessments, sample student answers, revision tips and sample exam papers.

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AQA GCSE Geography 9–1: Revision Guide

A student-friendly and engaging revision guide for the 2016 AQA GCSE Geography (9–1) specification, featuring:

• Easy to digest, specification-specific content that recaps and summarizes essential knowledge into manageable chunks.
• Revision activities and six-second summaries to prepare students for their first external exams.
• Revision checklists help monitor students’ progress.

AQA GCSE History 9–1: Germany 1890–1945 Democracy and Dictatorship Revision Guide

This Germany 1890–1945 Democracy and Dictatorship Revision Guide is part of the popular Oxford AQA GCSE History series. Written to match the new AQA specification, this guide covers everything students need to know to succeed in the Paper 1 Germany Period Study exams. The book includes key event recaps with diagrams and brief points, revision activities, exam-style questions, progress checklists, and up-to-date expert advice on exam technique.

AQA GCSE Religious Studies A: Christianity and Islam Revision Guide

Building on the Oxford AQA GCSE Religious Studies Student Books, this revision guide offers a structured approach to revising for the new 9–1 exams.

This revision guide is ideal for students combining Christianity and Islam. With all the essential content condensed and made memorable, and plenty of exam practice, tips and annotated sample answers, students can confidently prepare for their new exams.

AQA GCSE Biology Revision Guide

Specifically tailored for the 2016 AQA GCSE Science (9–1) specifications, this revision guide supports students on their journey from Key Stage 3 through to success in the new linear GCSE qualifications.

This revision guide includes differentiated questions to help all students make progress and build confidence, synoptic links to help students make connections between topics, support for the increased mathematical demands of the specifications, support for answering the new practical questions, checklists to help monitor progress, and exam-style practice questions.

Written by Aaron Wilkes

Aaron Wilkes is one of the leading history authors in school publishing as well as teaching for over 20 years in a variety of schools in the West Midlands. He's also dad to two children in secondary school. His eldest is currently in the middle of her GCSE courses, whilst his youngest has just moved up to 'big school’.

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GCSE Design & Technology

Our extensive collection of resources is the perfect tool for students aiming to ace their exams and for teachers seeking reliable resources to support their students' learning journey. Here, you'll find an array of revision notes, topic questions, fully explained model answers, past exam papers and more, meticulously organised to simplify your search.

AQA GCSE Design & Technology

Edexcel gcse design & technology, ocr gcse design & technology, wjec eduqas gcse design & technology, wjec gcse design & technology: product design, articles and resources for gcse design & technology students.

Find Your Perfect Revision Routine for GCSEs

How many gcse options can (and should) you choose, gcse grade boundaries: everything you need to know, gcse results day 2024, discover the secret to effective gcse revision.

A Guide to Choosing Your GCSE Subjects

Is it time to start thinking about choosing your GCSEs? Not sure where to get started? We’ve compiled a helpful guide to answer some of your most frequently-asked questions and get you started on picking those all-important subject choices.

What’s Included in an Oxford Summer Course?

Are there compulsory gcse subjects.

In the UK, some GCSE subjects are compulsory and you must take them. These are:

• Science (usually broken down into the three individual sciences; Biology , Chemistry and Physics - but this breakdown can differ between schools and ability groups).
• Mathematics
• English - English Literature and Language

Some schools may also require that you take additional subjects such as a Modern Language or Religious Studies - so make sure you check with your teachers before applying for your GCSEs.

How many GCSEs do you take?

The majority of students in the UK take around nine subjects at GCSE, though of course how many you take will depend upon your ability and the options available to you.

It's not uncommon for students to take ten or eleven GCSEs, usually as subject specialisms such as Further Maths. However, this should only be considered if you have a track record of working and hard and keeping your focus - studying for nine GCSEs is a big enough commitment, let alone adding additional subjects to your study schedule.

What are the available GCSEs options?

There are lots of GCSE options and most students will be able to choose from some of the following:

• A Modern Foreign Language - French, German and Spanish are the most commonly taught languages, but some schools offer other languages such as Mandarin and Russian.
• A Humanities subject - such as History , Geography, or Religious Studies.
• Arts subjects - such as Music, Theatre Studies, Art or Media Studies.
• Technical subjects - such as Engineering , Woodwork, Computer Science , Food Technology and Textiles.
• Sports - Though it is compulsory to do PE in year 10 and 11, students can also choose to take the subject as a GCSE subject.

When do I have to choose my GCSEs?

In England, most students select the subjects they wish to study in Year 9, but some schools may even ask you to choose in year 8. So, whatever year you’re in, it’s never too early to start thinking about your options!

Which GCSEs should I choose?

This is a difficult question, and really one that is down to a combination of things, including your school’s selection of subjects, your own interests and your plans for the future (if you know them already!)

Your school’s selection of GCSE subjects

Obviously you can only choose the subjects that your school has to offer. Before you make any steps, you should speak to your school and see what subject options are available to you.

If they don't offer the options that you hope to pursue at A-Level or even GCSE, then you may need to consider whether moving secondary schools is the right option for you.

During this conversation, it may also be worth asking your teachers or tutor about what GCSE subjects they would recommend you take. They will have a good idea of what subjects they think you could excel in, and could be a great first point of contact to kick-start your thinking.

Your interests

What subjects get you excited at school? Do you enjoy solving numerical problems and applying formulas and would benefit from subjects such as Computer Science and Engineering? Or, are you more creative - prefer to perform, write or draw? And would instead excel in Drama or Art? Maybe you love learning about the past, using evidence to build arguments? In that case, Philosophy and History could be great options for you!

Whatever it is that sparks your interest, choose the subjects you enjoy and others that complement your skills and you’ll be more likely to excel in them.

Your plans for the future

Though your career may seem a long way off, it’s important to start thinking about what you may wish to do when you’re older. Start thinking about after your GCSEs - what A-Levels may you wish to study? Or what degree do you think you may want to study at university? Then work backwards to consider which GCSEs may be helpful in creating the right foundation for your future plans. 

Even if you have no idea what you want to do long-term, it doesn’t matter! Simply choose a varied selection of subjects that will allow you to keep your options open, and then that will give you the option to narrow down your selection further down your line of study.

Note: changes from 2015

It’s important to remember that from 2015, the UK government made a few changes to GCSEs, amid allegations that GCSEs were getting easier each year. Now, students have a lot less coursework to cover over their GCSE years and instead, take the majority of the examinations at the end of the two year course, rather than module by module.

Therefore, when selecting your subjects, you should carefully consider which ones you enjoy or seem to be achieving the best grades in. You will have a lot of exams to sit at the end of year 11, and you want to ensure you’re putting yourself in the best position possible to achieve the best grades. Your GCSEs will help to determine which A-Levels you study and thus your degree, and so you want to make sure you can do your best.

Gain an academic advantage next summer

We hope our GCSE guide has helped you in making those next steps a little less daunting. 

Don’t forget, if you ever want to sample a subject before trying it at GCSE level, we offer plenty of summer courses that will give you a taster of what to expect!

Spending two-weeks this summer learning about a new subject will gain you a competitive edge when you return to school. Plus, the busy socio-academic timetable of activities we'll have planned will help you build your confidence and a variety of soft skills that will help you thrive in the future.

Ready to Join Oxford Summer Courses?

After submitting your application, we'll be in touch very soon to inform you of the outcome. Apply now to begin your journey with Oxford Summer Courses!

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Start planning GCSEs! Compulsory: Science, Maths, English. Choose 9 subjects based on interests, school options, future plans. Changes since 2015, fewer exams, choose wisely. Get ahead with our summer courses.

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COURSEWORK GUIDES

You have art coursework and need to research artworks for it. Where do you start? How do you find relevant inspiration? How have other artists approached the themes?Our thematic coursework guides provide ideas and inspiration to get you started. Try our 'Have A Go!' section at the bottom of our guides for activities to keep you motivated!

2023 Coursework Guides

Past coursework guides, we recommend, closeness and simplicity to nature coursework guide.

From the gardens and paradise to land art, discover the artworks in our collection that explore the themes of closeness and proximity to nature

Complex and simple movement coursework guide

From machines to humans, discover the artworks in our collection that explore the themes of simple and complex movement

Simple processes, complex outcomes coursework guide

From optical illusions and repeating forms to instructions, discover the artworks in our collection that explore the theme of simple processes, complex outcomes

Details and the uncanny coursework guide

From photoreal to dreams, discover the artworks in our collection that explore the themes of details and the uncanny

Layers Coursework Guide

From stacking and painting to collage and hidden layers, discover the artworks in our collection that explores the techniques of layering

Objects Coursework Guide

From the uncanny and personal to advertisement and politics, discover the artworks in our collection that explores the themes of object

Senses Coursework Guide

From touch and taste to sight and smell, discover the artworks in our collection that explores the themes of the senses

Reflection Coursework Guide

From mirror and glass to water and fractals, discover the artworks in our collection that explores the themes and techniques of reflection

Weather Coursework Guide

From sun worshipers, cloud gazers and storm chasers to artists who use the weather to explore broader themes and ideas

Materials Coursework Guide

From 'usual' to unlikely art materials: explore textures, qualities, techniques and symbolism of things artists use to make their work

Still Life Coursework Guide

Not just fruit and flowers, explore still lifes from realistic to abstract and familiar to unexpected

Dynamism and Movement Coursework Guide

Explore how artists use marks and colour to suggest motion or make kinetic, performance and video art to explore movement

Landmarks Coursework Guide

From art about landmarks to art that is itself a landmark: get some inspiration on the theme of landmarks

Diary Coursework Guide

From sketchbooks to video diaries and the everyday to big life events, explore how artists use diaries to record the world around them

Mark Making Coursework Guide

Explore the different ways artists use marks and expressive qualities

Outline Coursework Guide

Discover surprising ways artists use outlines in art from graphic to graffiti or abstract and animated

Clothing Coursework Guide

Explore art and fashion, from clothes and identity to shapes, patterns and textures of clothing inspired by art

Masks Coursework Guide

Explore how artists have used masks in their work, to protect, disguise, hide and amuse

Trees Coursework Guide

From atmosphere and symbolism to textures and abstract shapes, explore how trees have inspired artists

Memory Coursework Guide

Explore memories of the past, memories of people and fading memories to see how artists recall and reminisce in art

Food Coursework Guide

Can a humble bag of chips or slice of pizza become a masterpiece? Explore some tasty art about food

Colour Coursework Guide

Explore how different artists have used colour in their work and sketches

Form Coursework Guide

What exactly is form? And how can you explore it in your sketchbook?

Play Coursework Guide

What does play mean for you? Is it sports, or music? Perhaps it’s drifting into a personal imaginary world, or maybe it’s social – board games, card games, or just meeting others

Underwater Coursework Guide

About 70 percent of the Earth is covered in water. It’s probably the least-explored part of our planet - we’ve explored more of space than the oceans. But maybe because of that, for artists, water has been a theme, a subject and even a medium to work with

Line Coursework Guide

See how artists use the power of a line and try some ideas in your sketchbook

Tone Coursework Guide

Learn how you can use tone in your sketchbook

Transmission Coursework Guide

Discover works in which artists explore the complex ways humans spread thoughts and ideas

Isolation Coursework Guide

Recently we have all had to deal with long and short periods of isolation. How have artists explored the ideas of isolation in their work, and what can you learn from those experiences?

Mother and Child Coursework Guide

Discover tender images of new mums and babies and artists' in-depth explorations of mother and child relationships

Journeys Coursework Guide

From physical journeys and migration to journeys of self-discovery, get ideas and inspiration about journeys in art

Relationship Coursework Guide

Exploring relationships in art, as a connection or association between people, things or ideas

Letters and Words Coursework Guide

Discover how artists use letters and words in their art

Force Coursework Guide

From forces of nature and forceful feelings to force as a method, explore how artists have used force in art

Ritual Coursework Guide

What is a ritual? Discover how ritual has been used as a theme in art

Self-Image Coursework Guide

Explore how artists have represented themselves, and others, using portraiture

Transformation Coursework Guide

Explore how artists have transformed objects and ideas through their work

Details Coursework Guide

Explore the theme of details through works in our collection

Human Figure Coursework Guide

Explore people drawn, painted or sculpted from life and art that explores abstract ideas about being human

News and Event Coursework Guide

Look at artists responses to news, from headline-grabbing events and social or political issues, to stories of the extraordinary everyday

Light and Dark Coursework Guide

Look at artworks made from light and shadow to the symbolic use of light and dark to make powerful statements

Interwoven Coursework Guide

Explore art that interweaves materials, ideas, experiences and histories

Perspective Coursework Guide

From vanishing points to points of view, explore perspective in art

Spaces Coursework Guide

Busy crowded streets, eerie empty rooms, explore spaces in art

Habitats Coursework Guide

From art about home life to art that highlights the impact of climate change and pollution on natural habitats

Texture Coursework Guide

Explore textures in art from woven textures and textured fabrics and materials to gestural marks and patterns

Toys Coursework Research

From pop art to gender politics, see toys in a new light and get some inspiration for your coursework

Myths and Legends Coursework Guide

Be inspired by myths and legends – or create your own!

Changed Identity Coursework Guide

From changing their own identities to changing the identity of objects, how have artists explored the theme of changed identity?

Space Coursework Guide

From the space race to heavenly bodies, find some coursework inspiration

Plastics Coursework Guide

Explore plastic in art for some research inspiration

Old and New Coursework Guide

Uncover ways of thinking of Old and New in art

Circus Coursework Guide

Uncover ways of exploring the theme of Circus for coursework inspiration

Rhythm Coursework Guide

Explore artworks with rhythm for some coursework inspiration

Geometric Coursework Guide

Maths meets art to inspire your coursework

Moments in Time Coursework Guide

See how artists respond to moments in time to inspire your coursework

Crowded Coursework Guide

Pack in tightly for some inspiration for your coursework

16-25? Join Tate Collective for £5 exhibition tickets

Student resources.

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Create Like an Artist

How to make art inspired by artists like Rachel Whiteread, Andy Warhol and Frank Bowling

The Art Teacher

Art Lesson Ideas, Plans, Free Resources, Project Plans, and Schemes of Work. An 'outstanding' art teacher in Greater Manchester. Teaching KS3 and KS4 art and design.

GCSE Artist Research Guide

Creating research about artists is a creative and exciting part of a GCSE course. It will allow you to discover new artworks and learn about how artists think and work.

This GCSE artist research guide will help you find an appropriate artist, analyse their work and present your research to a GCSE standard. The purpose of research in GCSE Art is to help you understand the artist’s style , techniques / processes and themes . You will use this knowledge to inform your own artwork.

Researching artists / art exhibitions / photographers / designers is an important aspect of your GCSE Art course and can help you improve your own work and generate new ideas.

Successful GCSE artist research pages are produced by collecting information and images about an artist you are studying or want to study. Your research should include:

• A brief biography of the artist
• Pictures of their artwork
• Analysis of their artwork(s)
• The inspiration behind their pieces
• Your own response

A guide to creating high quality artist research:

• It is important to choose a relevant artist. If your project is about portraits , you shouldn’t really be looking at artists who specialise in landscapes !
• You should also choose an artist that you like . It’s no good choosing an artist if you think their work is boring.
• Use an artist who has similar skills to you. Do you prefer drawing? Avoid painters!
• This will show that you understand the context of their work.
• This will make your research look more professional.
• Artists often use social media to show their processes. Online museums and galleries also share information about the artist’s work or techniques.

How to present your artist research:

Once you have found an artist that you’re interested in and you have started to research them, you need to present what you have found. Use these tips to help show off your research:

• Plan your layout
• Include colours related to the artist
• Have a clear title
• Write neatly, checking spellings and grammar
• Type up annotations if it will help you
• Create a response using the same materials as the artist (eg. acrylic paint)
• Create your research on a computer if it will help you

DON’T:

• Spend hours on a fancy title
• Spend hours on a fancy background
• Feel like you need to write lots and lots
• Copy a full piece of the artist’s work – a colour study, or a section of their work is enough to learn from them

Let’s look at a good example of GCSE artist research :

• The layout is simple and clear; the background lines link to the artworks.
• The student has stuck to black and white, just like the artist.
• The title is clear and reflects the ‘glitch’ style of the art
• The writing is neat, along straight lines
• The drawing is high quality and uses appropriate materials (pencil and white pen). The student has clearly studied the artist’s work carefully.

How to analyse artwork:

You should choose a piece of artwork by the artist to analyse . Writing an image analysis about art can seem strange because there are no absolutely ‘correct’ answers. However, if you’re not sure how to analyse artwork, this guide to analysing art can help.

You don’t need to answer every question, but aim for at least 2 or 3 from each section:

Artist: Janet Fish Title: “Untitled (Two Packages of Pears)” Date: (1969) Medium: oil on canvas Size: 52 1/4″ x 42″

Let’s analyse an artwork using some questions from the “Content, Form, Process, Mood” Guide:

What can you see in the picture? Think about objects, colours, shapes and textures. The painting shows two packets of green pears, there are six in total. They are still in the wrapper and there are a lot of reflections painted to show the plastic covering them. What is the composition (layout) of the work? The pears fill the whole canvas and we can’t see much of the background. There is some symmetry with three pears on each side. Is there a colour scheme? Why or why not? There is a limited, harmonious colour palette of calm greens, blues and yellows. The colours are quite realistic and natural to reflect the subject matter. Is it realistic, or surreal, or both? Why? Overall the piece has realistic and surreal elements due to the sharp shapes of the light reflections that add contrast to the soft natural shapes. The shape of the reflections stand out against the soft round edges of the pears. How was the artwork made? The artist has used oil paints which enhances the glossy, plastic effect. Do you think the artist made any other versions or sketches? I think they would have sketched different layouts and mixed tester colours to match the fruit carefully.

Creating your own artist response:

Your response to an artist or artwork should use the same (or similar) materials to the artist. You might choose to focus on their use of colour or composition for example.

You should always include your opinion about an artist’s work in your research, explaining why you like/dislike their work.

You should also explain how it will inspire you or influence your own work.

In this artist research example the student has studied the artwork of Tjalf Sparnaay. Their response is a good quality drawing of a fried egg, copied from one of the artist’s paintings. The artist is a hyperrealist painter, but the student has responded with coloured pencils, showing skill in the accuracy of their drawing and managing to show some realism in their work through natural colours and a range of tones.

In this example, the student has researched the ceramic artist Mechelle Bounpraseuth . Their response doesn’t use clay like the artist, but the student has used the same idea as Bounpraseuth and chosen to draw a food object that reminds them of their family / friends. The drawing is highly skilled, showing a range of tones and highlights with exceptional attention to detail.

GCSE Artist Research examples:

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Artist research page checklist:

Now that you’re got an idea of what good artist research looks like, download the checklist below to use and help make sure you have included everything you need.

This artist research page checklist is simple to use and will make sure you / your students have included everything they need to make a successful, GCSE standard artist research page!

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3 thoughts on “ gcse artist research guide ”.

Amazing work thanks

Like Liked by 1 person

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The artist work is really very good and amazing.

Thank you so much.

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Published by art_teacher_mcr

Making and teaching art. Based in Manchester. View all posts by art_teacher_mcr

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Work Done and Energy Transfers (AQA GCSE Physics)

Subject: Physics

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

31 August 2024

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The focus of this lesson is work done and energy transfers for AQA GCSE Physics. The lesson includes an introduction on work done with visuals to support, work done, force, and distance equation calculation support, frictional forces, worksheet to complete, and several other activities for students to complete throughout the lesson.

The lesson follows AQA GCSE Physics specification (P2) with GCSE Exam style questions as assessment for learning throughout, as well as a number of other fun and engaging activities to support learner agency and exam paper accessibility. The resources also include tier 2/3 exam questions (and answers) to support.

These lessons are all visual lessons which support all learners to access the curriculum, pushing students as well as scaffolding where appropriate. This lesson is geared towards MPA-HPAs but is effectively scaffolded for LPA students too.

These lessons are an effective and balanced mixture of teacher-led explanation, student AFL, student exam questions and pair discussions.

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