GCSEs are a compulsory part of each child’s education in the UK, and it will help your child learn to adapt what they have learnt over the past few years in school. If you need that extra support and understanding of what’s involved in GCSEs, then look no further.
Study period
Your child will be going through their GCSE studies right from year 9, which will be when the curriculum is taken up a level. All of the work studied during this period will help your child prepare for the exams they’ll take at the end of year 11. This doesn’t mean your child can’t retake these exams at any time afterwards, they could take part in a 1 year GCSE programme before or after they reach year 11.
The grade system
In England the grades have changed to numbers, but the A*-U system is still in place across the rest of the UK. This doesn’t mean any grades are different in quality, but just graded in a different way. Keep that in mind when you’re helping your child and looking at different exam papers to help your child with their studies.
When your child will get their exam results
As we’ve already mentioned, the main GCSE exams will take place at the end of year 11. The exams will take place during the summer, usually a couple of weeks before all of the students at school break up for the year. They will then receive their exam results near the end of August, around 2 – 3 weeks before your child is expected to return to school or college.
Your child’s next steps
After they’ve finished their GCSEs, and received the grades they were after, your child can go on to Sixth Form, head to college or start an apprenticeship. Ensure they get the help they need with their exams to support them throughout their studies, as well as guiding them through their future.
We hope this parents guide to GCSEs helps!
*Collaborative post