Bob Foster - Science and Maths tuition in Bristol and on the internet.
Confidence building, motivation, exam practice, time management for teenagers: advice for parents on how to help.
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About GCSE Science

Here are the main points that are true for most schools:

• Science GCSE is taken in year 10. It is the compulsory part of science and therefore is sometimes refered to as Core Science. It covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics. If you are not quite ready for GCSE, you may study for the Entry Level Certificate.
• In year 11, there are many choices. If you choose to continue studying science, the most common option is Additional Science.
• Alternatively, you can specialise in one or the separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics), or take all three resulting in three GCSEs.
• Some specifications use modular tests and some use 'traditional' end-of-course exams.
• Coursework has been replaced by in-class assessments that vary according to the syllabus.
• There are also new GCSEs available such as Applied Science - ask your school for advice.
• Your school may also offer other qualifications, such as BTEC and GNVQ, which are more vocational.

Do you know which exam board and which specification you are studying? This is vitally important! The menu on the left lists the most common. Ask your school for details.

I have not included information for Northern Ireland GCSEs (see the CCEA website and the BBCs NI website for more information) or Scotland's different exam structure ( see the excellent National Qualifications website).