Work related learning and applied courses

If you are interested in learning about subjects directly related to an area of work, or are good at practical subjects there are GCSEs you can choose to study for. For ICT, Religious Studies and Languages there are short course GCSEs available. These are equivalent to half a full GCSE.

Applied GCSEs: what are they?

Applied GCSEs are designed to provide a more 'hands-on' approach and encourage you to apply your knowledge and understanding of a subject in a practical way.

You may have also heard people refer to them as 'Double' GCSEs. These GCSEs are equivalent in size to two traditional GCSEs. Double GCSEs are at levels 1 and 2 on the National Qualifications Framework. The framework shows how different types of qualifications compare, in terms of the demands they place on learners.

Qualifications - what the different levels mean - more information

You can choose from a wide range of work related GCSEs.

How are you assessed?

These GCSEs are assessed to the same standard as the more academic GCSEs, although the work you produce will have a more practical emphasis. You will carry out your own investigations and will often produce a portfolio of work.

The qualification is made up of three units of equal value with two-thirds of your work normally assessed by your teachers and one-third by external examiners. If you are at school, some of your lessons for taking an applied GCSE may take place in a local FE college.

Grades

Because many applied GCSEs are double the size of traditional GCSEs, they are graded A*, A*-GG and U (unclassified). Single award applied GCSEs are graded A*-G and U (unclassified).

grades DD-GG are at level 1 on the National Qualifications Framework
grades A*, A*-CC are at level 2 on the National Qualifications Framework

Where can they take you?

These GCSEs can lead to similar progression paths as traditional GCSEs. For example:

work
further study
apprenticeship

If you want to continue your studies, you might move on to an NVQ or another vocational qualification at level 3 qualification or a relevant GCE.

Short course GCSEs

Short course GCSEs are designed to give you more options about what and how you study. They are equivalent to half a full GCSE, but the standard is the same as a full GCSE. They can be taken in half the time which is about three terms. However, if you learn more slowly than others, you can spread a short course out over the same length as a traditional GCSE.

Short courses also allow more able students to take extra subjects, like a second language. They can also be a useful option if your timetable at school or college prevents you from taking a full GCSE.

GCSE short courses are currently offered in ICT, Religious Studies and Languages (Irish, German, Spanish and French) and assessment is similar to full GCSEs as they lead to the same grades (A*-G and U (unclassified).

Short courses are available in a range of traditional GCSE subjects and assessment is similar to full GCSEs as they lead to the same grades: A*-G and U (unclassified).

Short courses can lead to similar routes as traditional GCSEs, however, if you want to go on to level 3 qualifications, like as A levels, some subjects may require that you have a full GCSE in that subject.