Examination and Assessment
Types of Course
GCSE
GCSE subjects taught at Key Stage 4 include a final assessment by external examination which leads to the award of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (G.C.S.E.) (with the exception of Religious Studies which is entirely based on external examination).
For GCSE, all the specifications, assessment and grading procedures are based on national criteria.
In all the GCSE subjects grades will be awarded on a points scale denoted by the letters:
A*, A, B, C, D, E, F and G.
Candidates who fail to reach a minimum standard for Grade G will be ungraded (U) and receive no certificate.
BTEC
Pupils may also opt for a vocational course of study, which takes the form of a ‘Level 2 BTEC’ qualification. These courses will be offered at either First Certificate or First Diploma level. The course details are provided in the ‘Option Subjects section’ within this booklet.
Each BTEC qualification at Level 2 is recognised under the National Qualifications framework (NQF) as being equivalent to 2 GCSEs (First Certificate) or 4 GCSEs (First Diploma).
In BTEC subjects, grades are awarded on a points scale denoted by the letters:
A, B and C
Candidates who fail to reach a minimum standard for Grade C will be ungraded (U) and receive no certificate.
Coursework
One of the many important elements of your subjects is coursework.
Coursework assessments are based on work which is done by the pupil during the three years of study. It is therefore essential that a pupil’s work is done to the best of his/her ability throughout the course. The assessment weighting in most subjects is at least 20% of the final mark, and as much as 60% in some cases, and work is assessed throughout years 9, 10 and 11.
Coursework assessment is based on a large variety of activities according to different subjects e.g. it may test problem-solving skills, skills in the use of equipment, field studies, verbal skills, writing skills, research skills, projects, investigations etc.
In order to receive the greatest benefit from the course it is vital for all pupils to work steadily throughout the whole of the course to avoid panic situations. It is essential that work is completed in the time allowed and handed in at the correct time. Failure to do this can jeopardise the assessments given and ultimately the final qualification grade. In some subjects, if no coursework is handed in, the candidate is automatically awarded a grade U (ungraded).
External Examination
Many of the GCSE subjects have “tiered” examinations. Students will be entered for the appropriate level of exam i.e. Foundation, or Higher, depending upon their ability and progress in each subject. Some subjects also award Certificates of Accreditation to students who successfully complete certain units to the required standard. There are fixed grade ranges for each tier. Each subject will differ in this case.
BTEC assessment
In BTEC courses, assessment is entirely by coursework; there is no final examination. The course will combine theory and skills development through a series of projects and coursework assignments, often related closely to ‘real-life’ needs and the world of work.