Key Stage 3 Assessment

At the end of KS3, when most children are 14 years old, students are tested in the core subjects of English, science and maths. The tests cannot be passed or failed, and there is no qualification at the end: the main objective is simply to enable teachers to learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of each pupil.

Most tests consist of two papers per subject, not more than 1 hour 15 minutes long.

The papers are tiered: teachers will recommend which tier your child will sit.

Grades are based on National Curriculum levels, which range from 3 to 7.

Most students are expected to gain a Level 5 or 6.

Students are also given a Teacher Assessment, similarly based on National Curriculum levels.

The Teacher Assessment is given equal weighting with the test results.

Students not expected to gain Level 3 will be given a Teacher Assessment only.

Teacher Assessment covers English, maths, science, history, geography, modern foreign language, design and technology, information technology, art, music, physical education and citizenship.

GCSEs

These exams are usually sat at the end of Year 11, when students are 16.

Grades are awarded from A* to G.

Most students will take GCSEs in English, maths and science.

For the science GCSE, students may take separate exams in biology, chemistry and physics (three GCSEs); or a double award exam (equal to two GCSEs) that covers all three subjects; or a single award exam (equal to one GCSE) that covers all three sciences, but less fully.

Many students will also take GCSEs in design & technology and a modern foreign language. They also have the option to enter exams in a range of other subjects, such as information and communications technology, geography and art.

Vocational GCSEs may also be offered by some schools, in subjects such as art and design, applied business and engineering.

Most GCSEs are tiered, and students will be entered by the teacher at the most appropriate level. The aim is for your child to take an exam in which their ability will be tested, and for which they could achieve one of a range of grades, without being thrown off course by questions that are much too difficult or much too easy.

GCSE short courses are also available in a range of subjects. These take half the study time of a full GCSE year and are often completed in one year.

GCSE short courses are equivalant to half a GCSE, and are ideal for pupils who want to increase the breadth of subjects studied without over-stretching themselves. It's worth remembering though that GCSE short courses are not an easy option: taking two is likely to involve more work than one full GCSE in a single subject.

GNVQs

For pupils who want a more active work-based style of study, GNVQs are available in a variety of areas such as leisure and tourism, and health and social care.

GNVQs prepare students for work through studying broad areas, and usually involve spending some time in the workplace.

A Part One GNVQ contains three units and takes twice as much time to complete as a GCSE course.

One Foundation Level GNVQ is equivalent to two GCSEs at grades D to G. One Intermediate Level GNVQ is equivalent to two GCSEs at grades A* to C.

Two-thirds of the final assessment comes from a portfolio of work that pupils build up throughout the course. Pupils must also pass a test on each unit.

A six-unit GNVQ is also available, which is equivalent to four GCSEs.

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