GCSEs

GCSEs are the main qualifications available to you at age 14.

They are available in a wide range of subjects, which will vary from school to school. See Course Finder.

GCSEs are usually assessed by a mixture of coursework and exams, graded from A* to G.

If you prefer more coursework than exams, and are interested in learning about subjects directly related to an area of work, an Applied GCSE may be worth considering. Examples of Applied GCSEs are:

• Engineering
• Business
• ICT.

Some Applied GCSEs count as 2 GCSE qualifications.

Sometimes you can choose to take a Short GCSE course, often called a half GCSE. Examples of Short GCSEs are ICT and Religious Studies. They are set at the same level as a full GCSE, but cover half the work.

Interview

We speak to Amy, 14, from Millthorpe School about her choice of GCSEs.

What subjects did you decide on?

Aside from the compulsory subjects, I chose Sports Studies, Art, French, German and Geography

How did you decide on them?

"I enjoyed sport inside and outside of school and the teacher said that I would do well so that was an easy choice. The other choices I just enjoyed and got good marks in."

Did you choose subjects you were good at or subjects you enjoyed?

"I did a bit of both but I did not choose subjects that I did not enjoy."

How easy or hard are you finding them?

"I am finding them all quite easy and enjoying most of them."

What would you like to do next, is there anything in particular you really enjoy and want to do more of?

"I would like to carry on with Sports Studies at college and then go to university."

Hints and tips

Here's our top 5 tips to think about when choosing your GCSEs.

• Think about the job you might want to do in the future and what subjects they might require.
• Choose subjects you enjoy.
• Consider which subjects you're good at.
• It might be fun to try subjects on offer that you haven't done before, but make sure you find out what it involves by talking to the subject teacher.
• Look at how a subject might help you build upon your strengths and skills.