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GCSE
The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is an academic qualification awarded in a specified subject. Students aged between 14 and 16 take a number of these subjects while in secondary school in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
531 Questions
How I wish on the day of choosing my GCSEs aged thirteen someone would've told me what I knew now. So hopefully I'm going to stop people making the mistakes that I did and try to show you that GCSEs are important despite what people say.
Firstly if you or someone else is choosing your GCSE options, tell me which group do you fit under?
1) I would like to achieve the best grades I can.
2) I would like to do subjects I enjoy the most.
Think carefully, and make this the basis of your descision. Don't choose both, one MUST be more important than the other.
If you chose number 1, then think about:
1) The subjects you are best at.
2) Can you keep your interest going for 1.75 years?
3) And most importantly what is the teaching like?
If you want to get good grades stay away from the departments with lazy teachers seeing as they often don't work much harder in the GCSE years. Those lazy ones wont mark and guide you with the all important coursework and will just send it off without you knowing. Oh how I know that.
If you were at a school like me who stupidly gave out reports after option time, consider and ask your teachers how you are doing now, and how you'd cope with GCSE.
I also advise you to start thinking of the grades you want. These grades you'd like could be a long way off and you'll need to start working hard to achieve them. Don't ever leave revision/coursework until the last minute.
If you chose number 2, then you have little to consider. If you like the subject it is likely that you will excel however don't expect all the teachers to be so enthusiastic.
Whichever option you chose, TRY and not cut your options off and I know it's difficult but consider what career you'd like. If you have a slight idea that a textile teacher could be your thing, but don't want to waste your options - you may regret it so take it!
Also consider your A-level choices (yes, really), it will be very difficult to take Chemistry A-level if you haven't done it at GCSE.
Whatever you do, don't be stupid and take all the same options as you friends. Fair enough if these are the subjects you want to do, but even by choosing the same options you are not garanteed to get in their classes anyway and also that is the fun of year 10/11, most friendship groups are split up and all the year joints together meaning you can make new friends. I did and I'm not hugely sociable.
The subject guide:
You are very likely to be taking English Language, English Literature and Maths. Although schools have different policys on the science. My advice is to do at least 2 GCSEs in science whether that be Science Dual Award (covers all three sciences) or do two individual sciences. I would not advise you to take the single award, when applying for jobs and university they prefer you to have more knowledge than a single award can give. Don't be tempted by the schools idea of doing an easier GCSE and a single award to replace the double award.
Languages: I cannot stress how important these are to take. It is no longer the law for students to take them but often you do have to take them. If it is a choice then take a language GCSE unless you are terrible at them. Why? We have language shortages in both teachers, A-levels, degrees and GCSEs and guess what? Employers love you to have linguistic ability, it will make you 1000X more employable than someone without.
Hummanities: Traditional, respected and full of skills. These are great to carry on to further study and employers and universities alike will love to see these at GCSE and A-level.
Technology: These are good for the practical people among us, they may not be of much use to those who are not or not intending to do a practical job, however they do show other skills and creativity. Definitely tak
e if
you a
re planning an Apprentiship in building, plumbing etc. Beware though, the technology subjects such as textiles mean a lot more work (which is harder too) than food technology.
Modern subjects: Media Studies, Psychology, Sociology and Child Development: In my opinion these subjects are used by school to get the less able/less interested more interested and most employers do not value them. The first three should be left until A-level (although I would rather argue degree level or not at all), they can't teach to indepthly so I feel there is little worth learning. Child Development is suited to those who want a career with young children and I shall not argue with that.
GNVQs: Approach with caution. The intermediate is worth 4 GCSEs and the Part 1 is worth 2 GCSEs.
These can be taken in all sorts of subjects, which are made to look fun by schools to attract more youngsters and thus try and improve the percentage of 5A*-C. These are NOT suitable for the very able, and the Distinction grade (worth either 4A's or 2A's) is very much out of reach to all students. If you are clever and thinking of taking a GNVQ, then don't...take 2 GCSEs in good subjects such as history and a language. However, if you are a level 4/5 student or even 5/6 student this type of course may be for you, particularly if you are thinking of entering work after GCSEs or A/AS-Levels. At level 4/5 you may find it a bit challenging, however trust me, if you work you will be rewarded with a pass (c), or even a (b). There is little way of failing if you work. At level 5/6 you wont find it challenging although the workload is heavy for any student.
Other GCSEs: Art is quite an easy GCSE or so I heard seeing as nothing can be wrong. It's a good GCSE to take, it's rather respected and shows you have creativity. PE isn't really much use unless you want to work in the sports sector when you're older in which it is a goo
d GCSE to take.
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Starting your GCSEs:
Anyone who says the workload is unmanagable is lying. You can put as much work in as you like but be warned, the more you put in the more you are likely to get out. There will be occassions when you have several subjects worth of coursework, but you can do it!
Homework:
You may find you get very little or lots of homework in the next two years. If you're teachers aren't strict you can decide not to do it, but beware this may lower their expectations of you and you may get little help when you really need it. Homework usually goes over the things you've learnt in class, and get a revision guide to help you with it - it's always easier that way! However if you prefer thirty mintues could be better spent doing some revision from a revision guide.
Top tips for coursework:
* Write English coursework on the computer in both draft and final plan. Why? It's so much more difficult writing it by hand seeing as you can't edit it so much, or change words so easily.
* Another best tip is to get hold of a markscheme for coursework. Visit the exam board websites (www.aqa.org.UK, www.wjec.org.UK, www.edexcel.org.UK, www.ocr.org.UK) and find the specification for your GCSE, this usually has markscheme contained in it meaning you can match your work to the points.
* Get it done on time, if not before hand. To be honest, coursework can be fun and you'll feel very proud getting it done early and to a high standard.
* Use the internet. I do not encourage stealing coursework (and the teachers will know, honestly and you'll get unentered for all your exams) but looking at others' coursework can be helpful to getting an idea what it should look like. As I said don't copy, it'll be very noticable when teachers see it contain information which they haven't taught.
Social life:
Aft 14-16, the social scene hots up, and you'll
have to make your descision whether you want to be part
of it. Alcohol and other illegal activities will have started to go on and you'll also start to settle with the same group of good friends. "Playing out", will now turn into cozy mature get togethers or a 'p*ss up in the park'. So what do you do?
Firstly, your education should be made priority. And if you have good friends, they will understand that and hopefully have the same idea.
If you can successfully manage a good social life and GCSE life, then good for you. But if you feel like your social life is getting in the way of your GCSE life, it's time to stop it/limit it and concentrate on your GCSEs.
I wouldn't advise the "illegal activities route", you'll never be the studious year 9 you once where, and everything will seem so boring and pointless. You'll wont be able to go back, honestly - I've seen it happen.
If you're social life can involve studying at each others houses, then great!
A number one tip is to not listen to your friends when they say "I haven't done any revision", and think that makes it okay for you to not do any either. One they may be lying, and you'll know when they get 98%, two would you jump off a cliff if they did? And three, it's your grade and you should work for it!
Mock Exams:
Most schools have them at around Easter in year 10, and Christmas in year 11. Teachers will tell you to revise for them as if they were the real ones and you can do. Or you can not do, and hopefully you'll be disappointed and realise how much you have to work. Either way is a good way for motivating yourself to get higher grades.
Revision Material:
Firstly visit here: http://www.ldpride.net/learning_style.HTML . This is very useful and will show you how you learn best. If your an auditory learner, reading books may not be the best idea, but re
ading them out loud will help.
Books: CGP: I absolutely hate these books and I
know that they often miss parts of the syllabus out and add useless information in. The books practically underline everything, and the pictures/and jokes are both distracting and annoying. At £4.50, they test you on the useless stuff and they contain no practise exam papers.
Letts: These are expensive, but worth it. Often books contain both revision and useful practise questions however you can buy just revision guide and just practise papers. These books don't go too overboard in colour or pictures. The practise papers/questions contain answers which you can compare yours to and have an indication of what grade you will have got. They also show you how to improve on this grade.
BBC Bitesize: Like CGP books aren't syllabus specific meaning you'll get lots of useless things. These books don't go overboard on colour and pictures and contain brief comments from examinations with their practise questions.
Interactive CD-Roms: Visit www.amazon.co.UK for a selection of different CD-ROMS. These are good as they often contain revision plans which tell you what to revise and when (how many hours you do a week is up to you). There are revision material which combines pictures, sounds and interactive quizes aswell as proper exam papers. The only problem with these is they are no exam specific again.
Index Cards: Apparantly these are still available in WH-Smiths and contain ready printed material although I have yet to find them. However you can buy index cards and print your own revision material on these to make revision more managble.
Online revision: I assume you'll be used to using these sites before with your SATs. In order this is what I would recommend.
* www.schoolsnet.com
* www.s-cool.co.UK
* www.bbc.co.UK/revision
The first two are quite good, if not syllabus specific meaning you
could be learning things you don't need.
I cannot stress how useful it is to visit the exam board websites (as mentioned earlier) and look at past papers and markschemes. You can test yourself with these past papers which will be like yours and then check the markschme to see how well you did. Worship the markscheme and think of how the examiner will mark your test.
The actual GCSEs:
The time has likely to have flown by, and if you have been stupid and not revised whilst you were still at school it is likely you'll have study leave so use it wisely. Do not be stupid like I was and on the first week revise nothing because you have three exams which you 'cannot revise for' and also cannot learn anything else because the next exams are after half term. Revise a subject for half an hour a day, it makes it so much easier, you'll feel better and it is good to not have to cram so much. Remember, a bit of hard work wont harm you, you'll have ages off after they are over with no work to do at all!
When you are actually revising the best tip is to not worry about it sinking in, because worrying makes it so much harder for it to go in. Just keep reading it like it is you're favourite magazine and you'll be fine!
Comming out of exam believing you've messed it up is tough and very upsetting. But how many times have you come out of non-public exams and thought you'd messed it up but it wasn't so bad after all? Plenty? I have. You wont get your results back for another 2/3 months so there is no point in worrying.
Why are GCSEs so important?
My first paragraph mentioned their importance, and are you really still wondering how I could justify that? Not only do you learn so much of important stuff you usually need them to further your career.
* A full set of A*/A and a few Bs is required for the top 5 universities - otherwise you have a lot of explaining to do and will need a
lot of luck.
* A good set of GCSEs is needed for the other universities, and the same will apply above.
* C grades in maths, English and Science is required for all university degrees.
* At least 5A*-C's are needed to enter further education.
* 5A*-C's are needed for aprentiships.
* Apparently 5 GCSEs are needed to become a dustman.
Results day:
Results days are always on a Thursday. In 2004, it's on a 26th so 25th it'll be for 2005 GCSE results and so on.
Good results: Well done! Good results may give you more options in education and careers, so get informed!
Bad results: Thousands of youngsters do resits and go on to get very far. You can do a couple of GCSE resist amongst AS-Levels or whilst working and it is really worth the time for your future.
See you'll come so far from year 9-11, it's made me relive my school years over again. Now I just have to wait for the results.
What experience do you need to become a pharmacist technician?
Most pharmacy technicians are trained on-the-job, but employers favor applicants who have formal training, certification, or previous experience. Strong customer service skills also are important. Pharmacy technicians may become supervisors, may move into specialty positions or into sales, or may become Pharmacists.
You can take up training programs for this field and after that, you can get your certification. If you have this kind of training and certification, a lot of employers will favor you.
Although most pharmacy technicians receive informal on-the-job training, employers favor those who have completed formal training and certification. However, there are currently few State and no Federal requirements for formal training or certification of pharmacy technicians. Employers who have insufficient resources to give on-the-job training often seek formally educated pharmacy technicians. Formal education programs and certification emphasize the technician's interest in and dedication to the work. In addition to the military, some hospitals, proprietary schools, vocational or technical colleges, and community colleges offer formal education programs.
Formal pharmacy technician education programs require classroom and laboratory work in a variety of areas, including medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy recordkeeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians also are required to learn medication names, actions, uses, and doses. Many training programs include internships, in which students gain hands-on experience in actual pharmacies. Students receive a diploma, a certificate, or an associate's degree, depending on the program.
Prospective pharmacy technicians with experience working as an aide in a community pharmacy or volunteering in a hospital may have an advantage. Employers also prefer applicants with strong customer service and communication skills, as well as those with experience managing inventories, counting tablets, measuring dosages, and using computers. Technicians entering the field need strong mathematics, spelling, and reading skills. A background in chemistry, English, and health education also may be beneficial. Some technicians are hired without formal training, but under the condition that they obtain certification within a specified period to retain their employment.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board administers the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. This exam is voluntary in most States and displays the competency of the individual to act as a pharmacy technician. However, more States and employers are requiring certification as reliance on pharmacy technicians grows. Eligible candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and no felony convictions, and those who pass the exam earn the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). The exam is offered several times per year at various locations nationally. Employers-often pharmacists-know that individuals who pass the exam have a standardized body of knowledge and skills. Many employers also will reimburse the costs of the exam as an incentive for certification.
Certified technicians must be recertified every 2 years. Technicians must complete 20 contact hours of pharmacy-related topics within the 2-year certification period to become eligible for recertification. Contact hours are awarded for on-the-job training, attending lectures, and college coursework. At least 1 contact hour must be in pharmacy law. Contact hours can be earned from several different sources, including pharmacy associations, pharmacy colleges, and pharmacy technician training programs. Up to 10 contact hours can be earned when the technician is employed under the direct supervision and instruction of a pharmacist.
Successful pharmacy technicians are alert, observant, organized, dedicated, and responsible. They should be willing and able to take directions. They must be precise; details are sometimes a matter of life and death. Although a pharmacist must check and approve all their work, they should be able to work independently without constant instruction from the pharmacist. Candidates interested in becoming pharmacy technicians cannot have prior records of drug or substance abuse.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are needed because pharmacy technicians interact daily with patients, coworkers, and health care professionals. Teamwork is very important because technicians often are required to work with pharmacists, aides, and other technicians.
For the source and more detailed information concerning this issue, click on the related links section indicated below.
Can you sit your computing gcse exam without enrolling onto a course?
You can take any GCSE examination without enrolling in a course. But you must register with the appropriate exam board and arrange to take the test at a local exam center. The examining body can provide details.
Is engineering a btec or a gcse?
In my school it's a BTEC. If it doesn't say BTEC before it, it will probably be GCSE in your school. But if it's BTEC, you will get 2 GCSE's instead of 1.
What GCSEs are needed for art therapy?
You "need" nothing to be a tattoo artist in the way of secondary education. Most tattoo artists have been drawing since they could hold a pencil, so it goes without saying that you should be a competent artist and can draw virtually anything that someone requests of you, this is especially important if you intend to become more of a custom artist as opposed to a run of the mill tattoo artist who simply does flash tattoos. You will be required to have a certificate of accomplishment for Bloodborne Pathogen Training, and it will be in your benefit to be certified in CPR and Basic First Aid. This is the only actual documentation that you need to be a tattoo artist working in a shop aside from having a solid portfolio of artwork and any tattoos that you have done yourself. Other than this, learn anything and everything that you can about tattoos, application, techniques, history, different styles, terminology, etc., etc.
alternativley, go get a proper job... dont be a chav all your life.
What to take for my gcse's to be a doctor?
Take the subjects that your good at it and you have confidence! But also it must have sense to your aim...
Should you take a language for your GCSE and if so why?
For many reasons:
1. You might later be in a job which requires you to speak a different language.
2. It is a very useful skill that is harder to learn as you get older.
3. If you take it at school, you will be learnt it properly.
4. Its better - in a lot of peoples opinions - than say History (that is if you don't want to do history in the future) as for history, you can just pick up a book and read about it. Languages are a skill that you learn.
5. If you show that you have the dedication to learn a whole language, it would look very good on your c.v and you are more likely to get jobs and promotions because of it.
*By taking one launguage, learning other launguages and understanding people from different countries becomes easier.
*But don't pick a langauge if you struggle at it or don't think you will do well!
Are mock gcse exams important?
not really- try your best because it is good practice and tells you what you need to work on. however, if it does go horribly wrong then don't worry. once you ace your real GCSE s then nobody will ever ask you what happened n your mocks
What is a fail grade for GCSE exams?
A grade G is considered a fail at GCSE. The pass grades are A*, A, B and C. Any grade below C is regarded as a fail and not worth much to employers, colleges and universities.
If you attain a range of grades from D to G in your GCSEs, you may find that you would do better at a vocational course or a modern apprenticeship.
Gcses are graded with an alphabetical system; A* is the best, followed by A,B, C, D, E, F, and U, for unmarked. Anything over a F is a pass.The majority of employers will ask for x number of GCSEs grade A-C, so try and aim for over a C whereever posiible
What GCSE grades are required to be a lawyer?
You should choose three or four traditional or essay writing subjects.
History, Geography, English, Law, Physics, Biology, Maths, Sociology etc.
The only subjects that are generally not preferred are PE and Drama.
What GCSEs do you need to become a waiter?
Many young people wait tables in restaurants while they are still in high school. But to become a professional waiter, in a really upscale place, yes - in all likelihood they would not consider you unless you are at least a high school graduate.
What gcse's are needed to become a psyciatrist?
You can take pretty much the GCSEs you want when you want to be a psychologist, but you do need to do a double science GCSE (double science psychology), which you probably already ready know, even tho i say this still hope this helped
What GCSE'S do i need to take to become an equine vet?
I recommend that for GCSE you still keep your choices open, as you might not want to become a vet in 2-3 years! I would chose Double Award Science (or minimum two sciences), Mathematics, and every other standard subject. Try to get good grades. When you move to sixth form, and you still want to become a vet, then you will need to concentrate your studies on science.
What degree do you need to become a pharmacist?
For a registered pharmacist its twentyseven years of study and for a Pharm.D it takes 6 years and this is only if you decide to take only the 2-3 years pre-reqs, but if you decide to get a bachelors degree(which i would recommend because most schools will look at students with 4 year degrees than one who doesnt) in any of the sciences physics, chemistry or biology then its 7 years for a registered pharmacist and 8 years for Pharm. D.
plus you have to be good with hands ;)
Twenty seven years of study?
To earn a doctorate in pharmacy (PharmD) it usually takes 7-8 years. Some schools require that you earn a bachelor's degree before applying, others require 2-3 years of prerequisite courses (lots of science as well as some elective courses) before applying, in which case you would graduate with a doctorate degree without earning a bachelor's first. Each pharmacy school has their own prerequisite requirements, so check with the school(s) that you plan on applying to so that you can plan your undergraduate coursework wisely.
Hi, You need to take sciences at GCSE and aim to get the highest grades possible. Most people I know got all A*'s perhaps a few A's. Also need 3+ A's at A-level and alot of related work experience. Hope this helps.
What GCSE's do I need to go into catering?
i am currently in 1st year of a professional cookery course we have so far done ,Food science, Larder class(Butchering fishmongering prep), Pastry class, Restaurant services (serving silver service), Production (actual kitchen work), Nutrtion, Food safety, French and Computers. The French and Computers are only to a basic level.
What is gce o level equil to in US?
The"General Certificate of Education 'Ordinary' Level Examination", otherwise known as the "GCE 'O' Level" or the "O Levels" is the examination taken by students of Secondary Education in the United Kingdom, Commonwealth countries or regions associated with the British curriculum.
Since the United States curriculum is credit-based and no major certification examination is needed for the evaluation of middle-secondary, there is no equivalent certification in the United States, as it is not required. There are, though, equivalent certification to the "General Certificate of Education 'Advanced' Level Examination" (abbreviated "GCE 'A' Level" or "A Levels")
How many GCSEs do you need to become a doctor?
Technically, you need at least 5 A-C grades to apply.
But in reality, most of your applicants have 9-12 GCSEs, the vast majority with A*s and As.
As an example, I earned 4 A*s and 5As at GCSE, 4As and a B at AS level and 3As at A2 to get my place. I also sat the UKCAT entrance exam, did 4 hours a week for 6 months of voluntary care work and redrafted my application statement 14 times. It was not fun!
What education or training do you need to be a tattoo artist?
the best way to become a tattooist is to firstly make friends with a tattooist and ask for a Saturday job, u will have to start from the bottom like cleaning but keep showing them your art work and one day they will give u an apprenticeship
What qualificaations do chefs need?
Although a high school diploma is not required for beginning jobs, it is recommended for those planning a career as a cook or chef. High school or vocational school courses in business arithmetic and business administration are particularly helpful. Many school districts, in cooperation with State departments of education, provide on-the-job training and summer workshops for cafeteria kitchen workers with aspirations of becoming cooks. Large corporations in the food service and hotel industries also offer paid internships and summer jobs, which can provide valuable experience.
To achieve the level of skill required of an executive chef or cook in a fine restaurant, many years of training and experience are necessary. An increasing number of chefs and cooks obtain their training through high school, post-high school vocational programs, or 2- or 4-year colleges. Chefs and cooks also may be trained in apprenticeship programs offered by professional culinary institutes, industry associations, and trade unions.
An example is the 3-year apprenticeship program administered by local chapters of the American Culinary Federation in cooperation with local employers and junior colleges or vocational education institutions. In addition, some large hotels and restaurants operate their own training programs for cooks and chefs. People who have had courses in commercial food preparation may be able to start in a cook or chef job without having to spend time in a lower skilled kitchen job. Their education may give them an advantage when looking for jobs in better restaurants and hotels, where hiring standards often are high.
Although some vocational programs in high schools offer training, employers usually prefer training given by trade schools, vocational centers, colleges, professional associations, or trade unions. Postsecondary courses range from a few months to 2 years or more and are open, in some cases, only to high school graduates. About 8 to 15 years as a cook is required to become a fully qualified chef. Those who gain experience, including in a supervisory capacity, may become executive chefs with responsibility for more than one kitchen. The U.S. Armed Forces also are a good source of training and experience.
Although curricula may vary, students in these programs usually spend most of their time learning to prepare food through actual practice. They learn to bake, broil, and otherwise prepare food, and to use and care for kitchen equipment. Training programs often include courses in menu planning, determination of portion size, food cost control, purchasing food supplies in quantity, selection and storage of food, and use of leftover food to minimize waste. Students also learn hotel and restaurant sanitation and public health rules for handling food.
Training in supervisory and management skills sometimes is emphasized in courses offered by private vocational schools, professional associations, and university programs. Across the Nation , a number of schools offer culinary courses. The American Culinary Federation has accredited over 100 training programs and a offers a number of apprenticeship programs around the country. Typical apprenticeships last three years and combine classroom and work experience. Accreditation is an indication that a culinary program meets recognized standards regarding course content, facilities, and quality of instruction.
The American Culinary Federation also certifies pastry professionals, culinary educators, and chefs and cooks at the levels of cook, working chef, executive chef, and master chef. Certification standards are based primarily on experience and formal training. Important characteristics for chefs, cooks, and food preparation workers include the ability to work as part of a team, a keen sense of taste and smell, and personal cleanliness. Most States require health certificates indicating that workers are free from communicable diseases. Advancement opportunities for chefs and cooks are better than for most other food and beverage preparation and service occupations. Many chefs and cooks acquire high-paying positions and new cooking skills by moving from one job to another.
Besides culinary skills, advancement also depends on ability to supervise less skilled workers and limit food costs by minimizing waste and accurately anticipating the amount of perishable supplies needed. Some chefs and cooks go into business as caterers or restaurant owners, while others become instructors in vocational programs in high schools, community colleges, or other academic institutions.
A number of cooks and chefs advance to executive chef positions or supervisory or management positions, particularly in hotels, clubs, and larger, more elegant restaurants.
