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General Certificate of Secondary Education

GCSEs are the main qualifications young people take at 16.

You will find that even later in life, if you are applying for a job and have to fill in an application form, you will be asked for details about exams that you took at this stage - so it's important to think carefully about your options and work for the best grades you can.

Check out the 'Choices in Year 9' section  for additional information and advice on GCSEs.

About GCSEs

  • It usually  takes two years to complete a full GCSE - a GCSE short course award is at the same level as a full GCSE but you only complete half the work
  • There are eight grades of GCSE - A*, A, B, C, D, E, F and G
  • There is a wide range of subjects to choose from.
  • Assessments may include assignments, course work and end of course exams
  • Some subjects have different levels of difficulty - your school will enter you for the course that's right for you
  • You can now take GCSEs in vocational subjects - These are equivalent to two GCSE subjects. They are available in a range of subjects such as Applied Art and Design, Applied Business, Engineering, Health and Social Care, Applied ICT, Leisure and Tourism, Manufacturing and Applied Science
  • GCSEs are sometimes available as short courses.  They are the same level as a full GCSE but are studied for half the time and lead to 1/2 GCSE.

Internal Links

Choices in Year 9



External Links

DCSF Qualifications
DCSF is the new department to replace the DFES. DCSF stands for Department of Children, Schools and Families.
GCSEs - Directgov



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