Can’t get your head around the new GCSE grading system" Rebecca Evans, Director of Studies at St John’s School, Leatherhead, explains how it all works
This year marks the first phase of the new GCSE grading system, and while most pupils and parents will (hopefully) be wearing faces of joy and excitement on results day next month, there might also be a few looks of confusion, too. The new system, which formerly graded pupils A* to G, will now be using a 9 to 1 structure ? 9 being the highest, set above the current A*.
This is the first major change to GCSE grading since the introduction of the A* in 1994, but it’s also left a lot of students, parents, and even some teachers a little mind-boggled. So, how exactly does it all work" Which subjects are affected and when"
The new reformed GCSEs in English language, English literature and mathematics were first taught in September 2015, and the first results using the new grading system will be published this August.
The second phase started in September 2016, with more subjects moving across to the new specifications including science (and separate sciences), languages, history, geography, art and design, physical education, computer science, food preparation and nutrition, design and technology, religious studies, music and drama. These subjects will be examined under the new system in summer 2018.
The majority of other subjects will follow in the third tranche of changes, and these will first be...