The International GCSE (IGCSE) was recently accredited for pupils in English schools to obtain what is now the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. Preparation and follow-up was introduced in 2008 in free schools and sixth forms, and there are, for example, further options after 16 in some schools, while there are numerous options since the introduction of the IB in the UK in 2012, as well as in many other countries. [Sources: 6]
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is the secondary school – the school leaving qualification – but Scotland operates an independent system of national qualifications. General Education Certificate Advanced Level (better known as GCE level), which is a school leaving qualification offered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Department for Education and Skills (DECS). [Sources: 5, 6]
This qualification was introduced in the 1990s and replaces the higher education certificate and is offered to 16-year-olds taking exams across the UK. It is commonly referred to as the GCSE, but is officially referred to as the General Standard of Secondary Education. The final exam takes place at the end of the school year, traditionally referred to as the sixth grade. Highers, which are more commonly attended by pupils in secondary schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as in Scotland. [Sources: 1, 5]
After two years of study, students take the A-Level and Advanced Level exams required to gain admission to higher education in the UK. Students normally study for and sit 10 GCSEs, but some may also be in their final year of secondary school. Although students have a legal right to leave secondary school after passing GCSE, the exam is often the most important they will ever take. [Sources: 1, 2]
One of the aims of such a level 3 qualification is to prepare students for higher education at tertiary level. In the two years after secondary school, students specialise in three or four subjects, which are usually the subjects they would like to study at university. These will be continued in the second year and converted into full accounts at the end of the year. [Sources: 2, 5]
To achieve this level, students must obtain what is known as a General Secondary Certificate (GCSE). Almost all pupils attending GCES must take English, maths and science, while most other subjects are optional. [Sources: 5]
The GCSE exam traditionally marks the end of compulsory education in England. In 2013, the school leaving age was raised to 17 and pupils will take two years to sit their GCES exams in English, maths and science. [Sources: 2, 5]
The GCSE is a single-subject exam set and is marked by an independent exam board. Schools in the UK have different semester periods and students usually sit a range of exams, including GCES, IELTS and ESOL. Students study a variety of subjects such as mathematics, English and language and achieve impressive results in a wide range of subjects such as English, mathematics, science and English literature. [Sources: 2, 7]
English classes start in the school year beginning of September with the first week of September and end at the end of August. [Sources: 7]
Most pupils in British schools sit GCSE exams at the age of 16, but in England the National 5 qualification exam has been cancelled and replaced by the Teacher Exam and Course Paper, while the higher exams are still taking place. Students in the semester courses learn English and take the exams according to age and ability. [Sources: 3, 7]
The tests will be held on the start date of the first week of September, the last day of October and the end of November. [Sources: 3]
This is a list of academic qualifications that must be obtained in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. English and Welsh readers should be aware of the difference between GCSE exams in the UK and those in other parts of Europe. [Sources: 3, 4]
The General Secondary Education Certificate (GCSE) is an academic award that students earn to mark the completion of compulsory education in the UK. These academic awards are the culmination of years of study, study and service, marked by preparation for university, university or sixth grade, or by the decision to undertake vocational or vocational training. When a pupil receives his or her GCSE on the basis of the examination results, he or she either continues his or her education in the sixth grade at university or higher education and / or decides to continue in vocational training or to move on to the next level of education. [Sources: 4]
In order to successfully complete upper secondary school with the general certificate of upper secondary school, pupils must take certain subjects that help them to secure their freedom and, let us say, success in life. [Sources: 0]
P pupils must take at least five GCSE subjects from Key stage 4 to Year 10 and Year 11. Whether the subject is a valid qualification depends on the particular requirements of the school, the grade level and the level of education of each student. It is important to note that English and maths must be in the same grade range as the GCSE subjects required to complete the course. [Sources: 0]
Sources:
[0]: https://www.superprof.co.uk/blog/uk-exams-gcse/
[1]: https://engage-education.com/aus/blog/what-does-gcse-stand-for/
[2]: https://www.expatica.com/uk/education/children-education/the-uk-education-system-106601/
[3]: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/54511989
[4]: https://medium.com/@jc_8951/gsce-igcse-a-levels-ib-whats-the-difference-ea2385b1bfbb
[5]: https://wenr.wes.org/2014/02/a-guide-to-the-gce-a-level
[6]: https://www.relocatemagazine.com/articles/education-schools-int-guide-uk-education-system-in-england
[7]: https://www.sherborne-international.org/about-our-english-international-school/schooling-in-uk-exams/