UK members - can you explain the GCSE's??

Question

Hi! I'm a homeschooling mom in the U.S. However, I see the GCSE mentioned on the forum several times. I recently purchased some *great* GCSE "revision guide" books from Coordination Group Publications Ltd. They are wonderful, and have a lot of info for my son to study (he's 10).

I'm just wondering what exactly the GCSE is, and at what age you take it. Is it like a secondary school completion exam? Or one to apply to colleges? (Like our ACT & SAT.)

I was also curious why the books are called "revision guides". Here is one I purchased:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1841467006

TIA! I know I can look this up on the 'net, but I'd rather hear it from real people. So please don't tell me to "Google it".

Answer 1

GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are exams that 16 year olds are expected to take before finishing compulsory education. The government standard is for every child to take and pass at least 5 different subjects including Maths and English, although many children don't. Most Further Education (17-18) colleges require GCSEs in Maths, English and whatever subjects you want to follow with them to A Level.

When you go to university in the UK you sign up for a specific degree from the start, there's no general first year and picking your 'major' after that. A levels take two years, and are for specific subjects, typically you take 3, and they are preparation and typically expected for university.

Home Educators often skip GCSEs because of the trouble getting the course work component assessed outside the school system and because you don't actually NEED them to take A levels. There's also a highly regarded distance learning university called The Open University which has no entry requirements at all and some HE students take courses, often at degree level, with them before going to a bricks and mortar university.

There is no general test or certificate for finishing compulsory education, you just reach the legal age and you're free.

Answer 2

Hello!

APOLOGIES! Should point out, I wrote this before 'Firebird' had answered, but was called away and foolishly didn't hit 'submit' after previewing, so a lot of info is duplicated!

However, I hope SOMETHING in here is of some use?! :D

______________________________________...

Regular reader, rare poster, so hopefully, not too appalling?!

I'm a mum in the UK (I've homeschooled during some of my childrens' lives and taught other children on a one to one basis prior to retiring due to disability).

I have 4 children and 2 of my children have been through their GCSEs.  The first answer is correct, but I thought you'd like some further information.

GCSE examinations are those taken in EACH of the subjects, for which, at age 13, the student's parents and/or the students, 'CHOOSE' to study, for the next 2 academic years, in order to gain qualifications in each specific subject taken, upon reaching 16.  

Each 'subject' is studied in our 'Secondary schools' by all children aged 14-16, (incidentally, this is only for NOW, as vocational courses are being added in the next few years. This is because most GCSEs are considered to be for the academically inclined child).

There are generally between 4 and 7 'options' GCSEs, chosen by students, from a VAST range of subjects.  These are chosen 'options' in addition to the compulsory subjects (listed below) and they are studied alongside these compulsory subjects.

Then at 16, the students take an exam in each individual subject (GENERALLY, the compulsory GCSEs are English, Maths and sometimes, depending on school's leanings,  R.E. ~ religious education, but this is primarily in the 'Church Schools'.  I also believe that the 'sporting' schools tend to 'require' that their students take the P.E. ~ physical education GCSE)

The exams (the GCSE exams) count for only a percentage of the grade in each particular subject (as opposed to the older UK system, where we took 'O' (ordinary) levels, which were entirely 'exam based' after 2 years of study.

The GSCEs are slightly different in that the children show part, sometimes a LARGE part of their gained knowledge and understanding, through 'coursework',  and then take 1, or more exams in similar or other 'aspects' of the GCSE course for EACH subject.

The 'follow' on (from age 16-18) is the 'A' level (still named as it was in my day, meaning simply the 'Advanced' level).

The A level is a 'continuation' of the (previously named 'O' level, now named) GCSE and is supposed, additionally, to be preparation for University (US College, I BELIEVE?! DO forgive me, I'm not up on US education system!)

Sadly, I HAVE heard that here, in the UK, the 'newer' A level is not sufficient preparation for the more 'selective' University places, as the degree courses here, tend to rely VERY heavily on 'exam' based results!

I've given more than the Q required here, SORRY, BUT, JUST in case you chose to continue to follow the UK curriculum as part of your teachings, it may be useful to know?

BEST of luck!

Answer 3

GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is for secondary school students ages 14 to 16.

I think in the UK A-levels are usually a university requirement and GCSEs are required for A-levels. But university requirements may differ from country to country.

All the GCSE books are brilliant and there are many GCSE web sites which are great too!

Hope this helps a bit!