What are GCSEs and A levels?

For students in the UK, there are two important stages of their secondary education: GCSEs and A-levels. GCSEs, or General Certificate of Secondary Education, are typically taken by students aged 14-16, while A-levels, or Advanced Level qualifications, are taken by students aged 16-18.

What is difference between GCSE and A level?

The level of difficulty between these two qualifications varies quite significantly. GCSEs provide a foundation and broad overview of a wider range of subjects. A-levels demand a higher level of understanding and analysis by focusing on fewer subjects but going into greater detail and complexity for each subject.

What level is GCSE equivalent to?

Level 2 qualifications are: CSE - grade 1. GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C.

What is GCSE UK?

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. They are highly valued by schools, colleges and employers. The qualification mainly involves studying the theory of a subject, together with some investigative work, while some subjects also involve practical work.

What are A levels in UK?

Advanced level qualifications (known as A levels) are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You can normally study three or more A levels over two years.

UK School Exams - GCSEs, A-Levels, IB's

What is level 12 in UK?

Level 12 | Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. Job roles at SCQF Level 12 involve leading whole organisations, or divisions of large organisations. They will have responsibility for strategic planning and ensuring the success of the organisation by overseeing the management of the main functions.

What does A levels stand for?

What AS and A levels are. AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A (Advanced) level qualifications normally take two years to complete full-time in school or FE college, although they're also available to study part-time.

Is GCSE year 10 or 11?

Year 10 is where your GCSE phase starts. You need to study for two years and then appear for exams at the end of Year 11 to pass your GCSEs. With new curriculum structure, a student needs to prepare for the subjects they have chosen in year 10 and year 11. Some students give GCSEs for some subjects in year 10 only.

Is 8 an A * in GCSE?

Grade 8 is the equivalent of in between grades A* and A. Grade 7 is the equivalent of a grade A. Grade 6 is the equivalent of just above a grade B.

At what age do you take GCSE?

GCSEs are taught as part of the National Curriculum, and they are therefore compulsory. School-aged students study for their GCSEs between the ages of fourteen and sixteen, completing coursework throughout this period before sitting their final exams at the end of the two-year period.

What degree is an A level?

A-levels are a college or sixth form leaving qualification offered in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These are not compulsory, unlike GCSEs. In Scotland, A-levels are also offered by some schools as an alternative school-leaving qualification in place of the Scottish Advanced Higher.

How many GCSEs do you need?

How many GCSEs do you need to take? You're required to take a minimum of five subjects, but most students choose between nine and ten. The exact number can vary based on your academic ability and school resources.

Is 3 a pass in GCSE?

The new GCSE grading system

To pass you need at least a Grade 4 or Grade 5. Grades 1 to 3 are like the old D to G. The U grade, meaning “ungraded”, remains the same.

What is harder A levels or GCSE?

The exams and course work will also be more challenging. A-level exams tend to be longer than those for GCSE. They have fewer and more complicated questions that require longer and more complex answers.

Is a level worth more than GCSE?

A-levels are generally considered to be a higher academic requirement than GCSEs. A-levels are a prerequisite for many university degree programs, while GCSEs are a prerequisite for A-levels.

Is core maths harder than GCSE?

A LEVEL PURE MATHS: If you got an A or A* in GCSE then Core 1 and Core 2 will be ridicolously easy. Core 3 and Core 4 are very similar to core 2, with some small upgrades. Mechanics 1 is quite easy, same goes for Statistics 1. However Mechanics 2 and Statistics 2 are much harder.

Is 7 a good GCSE grade?

The highest grade you can get is a 9, with 1 being the lowest. This system was introduced in 2017, replacing the old GCSE grading system that awarded students letter grades from A* to G. In the current grading system, a score of 9, 8 and 7 are equivalent to an A* and A.

Is a 6 good in GCSE?

| High Grade 6 is equivalent to a high Grade B. Grade 4 is the Standard Pass grade. Grade 5 is a Strong Pass grade. Although Grade 4 is a Standard Pass, many colleges and sixth forms want students to achieve a minimum number of Grades 5 and 6 in their GCSE results.

What percentage is a 9 in GCSE?

A formula is used which means that around 20% of all grades at 7 or above will be a grade 9.

How to get all 9s in GCSE?

You'll need to work hard throughout your GCSE years in order to get a 9 in any subject, putting in regular effort rather than leaving it all until exam time. If you're aiming for a Grade 9 then you may need to look further afield for resources, other than just past papers, to help you excel in your weaker areas.

Do year 9 do GCSE?

Most schools offer GCSEs as a two-year programme in Years 10 and 11. But, recent curriculum changes and the extra challenge of the new GCSEs, especially maths, has led more schools to introduce a three-year GCSE programme from Year 9 for at least some subjects.

Is a 4 a pass in GCSE?

What grade do pupils need to pass their GCSEs? Pupils will have needed a 4 for a "standard pass" and 5 for a "strong pass". This means that a candidate who gets nine grade-4s has, technically, passed all their exams.

Are A Levels only in England?

The General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level, or A Level, is a main school leaving qualification in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It is available as an alternative qualification in other countries.

Is GCSE only in UK?

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.

Which A Levels are worth the most?