The New GCSE 9-1 Framework - A Student Guide

If you are a student currently preparing for your GCSE’s or are due to move into Secondary school in in September, you will have heard about the new GCSE overhaul which is currently taking effect in schools across the UK this year. Far from being something to be worried about, the new style grades are designed to help you perform better in your learning and examinations, boost your understanding and open up further opportunities for a good job or higher level education.

What Is The New GCSE Reform?

The new GCSE grading system will run along a numerical scale from 9-1, with 1 being the lowest grade and 9 representing the highest grade possible. To start with, English Language/Literature and Mathematics will be the only subjects to adopt the new grading scale this year and will be phased in to the rest of the subjects over the next few years.

Why Is It Happening?

The new style grading system is designed to support a deeper learning experience and core understanding of all subjects in preparation for the working world or to continue with AS and A level further education. Your GCSE’s are a reflection on your overall schooling performance and the new study material will significantly enhance your general knowledge in all subjects.

How Does The New GCSE Framework compare To Traditional GCSE’s?

In previous years, GCSEs were graded using the old style A-G scale. An A* was used as a special recognition for students who did especially well in their exams. For now, most of your exams will continue to be marked the old way, with the exception of Maths and English, until the new grading system is rolled out for all subjects.

In comparison, the 9-1 grading scale will work in a similar way to the old style grading. Although examinations will be adapted to incorporate a broader range of understanding for students, all GCSE’s in a particular subject will cover a very similar basic content. Very broadly, a grade of between 4 and 5 will roughly equal a C on the scale.

When Will The New GCSE’s Take Effect?

 If you are already in secondary school, you will be preparing for the new GCSE grading system in your schooling and study from September 2015. The new grading system will be used for Maths and English examinations taking place in summer 2017. All other subjects will adopt the new system over the next few years.

Good Luck!