Descriptive vs Narrative Essays
The IGCSE English First Language exam places a strong emphasis on creative writing, with writing descriptive and narrative essays being
Learn how to write step-by-step answers, and score A* in your exam!
Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and AS & A Level June 2025 past papers are now available.
GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is a secondary school leaving certificate for schools in the UK.
GCSE exams were being introduced as compulsory secondary school leaving certificates by the UK government in the late 1980s, with the first exam taken in 1988. Since then, GCSE has replaced the Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) and GCE Ordinary Level (O-Level) examinations.
GCSE has moved its focus away from merely theoretical studies. It teaches students about real-world implications and issues relating to ICT and citizenship. At the same time, students are required to do coursework as part of the contribution to each subject’s grades. However, during the 2015 GCSE reforms, GCSE courses now have less coursework and are only included to assess essential skills.
A new grading scale of 9 to 1 was also introduced in 2015. The highest grade is 9, while 1 is the lowest, not including a U (ungraded). This is to allow greater differentiation between students and will help distinguish the new GCSEs from previous versions. See the table below comparing the new grading structure to the old grading structure.
After completing GCSE, students will continue their studies to Advance Level (A-Level) in their current schools’ sixth form, or enroll on Foundation courses in universities or colleges.
Students are required to obtain five or more 4-9 grades, including English and Maths to further their studies to A-Level. Most universities are typically required a minimum grade of C in both English and Maths in GCSE, regardless of students’ achievements in A-Level or Foundation courses.
*Relevant info is taken from Ofqual.
Join 61,338 (and counting) IGCSE & AS/A Level subscribers who’ve taken our insanely valuable FREE email courses. Learn exam tips & score A* in your exam!
Nawal Amir
Saudi Arabia
Reinard Swart
South Africa
The IGCSE English First Language exam places a strong emphasis on creative writing, with writing descriptive and narrative essays being
In the IGCSE English First Language Directed Writing task, you’ll be required to either write a speech, letter, or article
In Chemistry, writing a balanced chemical equation is a skill that needs practice. This article will discuss all the tips
In the face of violence and uncertainty, education stands as a beacon of hope, offering students the tools to navigate
24 responses
I’m British and am educating my children at home in the U.S. I would prefer they take the GCSE and A level route. Is there a website where I can find out about the possibility of this and the cost? Many thanks.
Hi Rebecca,
You may check with the nearest British Council, and see if they do offer GCSE in the US. Otherwise, IGCSE is the equivalent to GCSE that you might want to consider. Definitely A-Level is available after IGCSE.
Hi, is there a validity period for the IGCSE holder to apply for university enrolment or ‘A’ Levels? Thanks!
Hello Eddy,
That is very much depending on the entry requirement from the university. Please check with your desired university.
Hi, I am momina from Pakistan. I study in a school that offers o levels. I don’t have good teachers but we are paying a lot of money. I just wanted to ask that can I give my IGCSE the next year privately as my school isn’t providing me good teachers. Can I give the papers without being registered in a school or I have to join a good school to give my papers?
Hi Momina,
You can always sit for the exam as “Private Candidate”. Just register yourself with the nearest British Council.
Hi tell me what subject ts r needed to pursue interior designing currently in 8th grade
Please tell me the american, australian and canadian schools in batu pahat malaysia.
Hello there, sorry that we do not have any information regarding this matter.