General Qualfications - GCSEs
include a wide range of general subjects that are not directly related to a job area, for example subjects such as history and science. GCSEs are usually assessed by a mixture of coursework and exams. Many of these general subjects are asked for by employers as part of entry requirements for jobs, for example lots of jobs ask for English and maths at GCSE level.
Include qualifications such as GCSEs, at level 2 and AS/A levels at level 3. GCSEs are usually taken as a mixture of general subjects to give a broad general education but you can also take them as part of one of the other learning pathways. For example you may be able to do a few GCSEs as part of a Diploma.
T
here are also some vocational GCSEs which are more applied to
a work-related area and are double awards. Subjects include:
- Applied ICT
- Health & social care
- Applied art & design
- Applied business
- Engineering
- Leisure & tourism
- Applied science
- Manufacturing
GCSEs offer qualifications at two levels:
- Level 1 is achieved with GCSEs at grades D – G
- Level 2 is achieved with four or more GCSEs at grades A* - C
What can GCSEs lead to?
- GCSEs at grades D – G can lead to a Higher Diploma, GCSEs or other level 2 course such as work-related learning or into employment, or an apprenticeship
- GCSEs at grades A* - C can lead to an Advanced Diploma, Advanced Progression Diploma, AS or other level 3 course such as work-related learning or into employment, or an apprenticeship
Find out more about GCSEs:
Talk to your:
- Personal tutor or careers co-ordinator at school or college
- Personal Adviser from Connexions Worcestershire or Connexions Herefordshire
Go online:
- For information about which GCSEs are on offer locally use your local
- online area prospectus in Worcestershire or Herefordshire
- You can find out more information about all the 14+ options including
- GCSEs on www.connexions-direct.com/whichwaynow/ and on www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/index.htm
