What are GCSEs ?

GCSEs are the main examinations taken by UK students to complete the first stage of secondary or high school education. Once you have completed your GCSE programmes, you’ll be ideally placed to progress to A Level, Foundation or equivalent.

What subjects can I study ?

There is a broad and exciting range of GCSE subjects to choose from. Some subjects at this level are compulsory and others optional. For example, at Bellerbys College you’ll study 3 core subjects and then choose up to 3 from a list of further options.

Core subjects : Mathematics, English, and Computer Studies.
Optional subjects: Accounting, Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, Geography, Natural Economy and Physics.

What do GCSEs consist of ?

Depending on which subjects you choose, you’ll receive lessons taught in the classroom or laboratory. In some cases you’ll also take part in educational field trips.

You’ll be expected to complete homework and independent or group research projects. To ensure that you make progress, regular testing is also a feature of most GCSE programmes.

How will I be assessed ?

For each GCSE subject that you take, you’ll receive a final grade from A* (highest) to G. Your GCSE result will depend on the outcome of one or more methods of assessment :

	Exams that are externally marked and graded.
	Continuous assessment during your course, for example,
	coursework assignments and practical experiments.

Please note : The proportion of coursework to exams will depend on the subject, and the timing of your exams and coursework will vary.

What do my GCSE grades mean ?

They are a measure of your achievement at UK secondary or high school level. Also, they assess your ability to progress to A Level or an equivalent standard. Some universities specify minimum grades in certain subjects as part of their entrance requirements. Later on, some companies will only consider your application if you have achieved specific grades in particular subjects.

What else will I gain from studying GCSEs ?

Studying such a broad range of subjects will help you to decide what you are really interested in. If you want to progress to A Level, studying GCSEs will give you the ideal grounding. You will develop :

	Your ability to think critically
	Research and analysis skills
	Study techniques
	Team working ability