Over the course of your academic life, you will undergo various examinations and assessments to achieve qualifications. GCSEs were introduced in schools for students aged 14 to 16 across the UK, and they can play an important role for further education and careers. If you didn’t pass your GCSEs the first time round, hope is not lost.
Over the course of your academic life, you will undergo various examinations and assessments to achieve pre-set standards, generally aligned to specific age groups. GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) were introduced in 1986 to replace O Levels for students aged 14 to 16, as a way to certificate the end of their compulsory education. If you didn’t get the grade you wanted, you can take GCSEs again as a mature student.
Learners can complete online GCSE courses in a wide range of subjects. At the end of these courses, you will achieve a qualification that could help with entry requirements for further study or job applications. Below, we have outlined what a GCSE course is and the various subjects that you can undertake.
If you don’t want to return to the classroom, the great news is that you can complete a range of GCSE courses online. At the end of the course you have the option to take the exam, and achieve the grade you need to progress to further education or to secure a better job. Below, we have outlined what a GCSE course is and the various subjects that you can undertake.
What is GCSE Course?
GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education, and they are the examinations that students take at the end of Key Stage 4 at school; providing the opportunity to showcase what they have learned.
Traditionally, each subject was graded A*-G, with A* being the highest grade. In 2014, the grading system changed to 9-1, with 9 being the highest grade. Before GCSEs were introduced, students learning between the years of 1951 and 1986, undertook O Levels.
GCSE Course Subjects
As mentioned, there are a range of GCSE subjects, with English, Mathematics, and Science being the core trio. In many cases, further education establishments and some jobs will require qualifications in one or all of these subjects. There is plenty of variation with regards to subject matter as there are many different categories. To view the entirety of the GCSEs available online with Stonebridge, visit our GCSE course page.
Almost all further and higher education courses require a minimum of grade 4 in English language and mathematics.
For example, you can find online GCSE courses that specialise in Business, Humanities, and Art and Design. If you are unsure about what GCSE courses to take post-school life, you should consider what career path you want to take. If you want to move into teaching, you will need to complete A Levels or equivalent and then move on to higher education.
To begin this path, you will need a certain number of GCSEs, and the course subjects are likely to be specified as part of the entry requirements. If you are still debating over your career options, then having a foundation of English, Maths, or a Science subject could be beneficial.
GCSE Mathematics
While you may think that there are not many elements of Mathematics that you need on a daily basis, you use these skills more often than you realise. Not only will you earn skills that will be beneficial from a career standpoint, but you will also gain skills that can be applied to everyday life. By learning with Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you can select from the following online GCSE courses:
GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Foundation Tier – Online Study Book
This course will give you a foundation understanding of mathematics and how to grasp core skills, including statistics and algebra. To undertake this online GCSE course, you will undergo a short assessment to gather what your strengths are and what elements you may want to improve on.
Given that this course is online, you will have access to all of your course materials, which includes online lessons and practice activities. There is no requirement to sit a formal exam, but if you would like to, you can purchase an exam with us and we will find you an official exam centre.
GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Foundation Tier (including exam)
Like the online GCSE course above, you will be taught essential skills and problem-solving techniques, alongside core mathematical approaches, such as algebra. The course follows the Pearson GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Foundation Tier specification, and it includes the final exams.
Exams are held at an official exam centre in May/June, and for resits in October/November every year. Exam bookings are required six months in advance of the exams.
Mathematics iGCSE (including exam)
As an alternative to traditional GCSE Mathematics, iGCSEs are of equal value and accepted in the same way as a GCSE qualification. An iGCSE is taught thoughout the UK as well as at international schools across the world. If you are interested in achieving the iGCSE in mathemtics, then you can do so by taking this online accredited course.
You will develop a strong understanding of mathematical approaches and problem solving, and you will be assessed through online quizzes before taking a final exam. iGCSE Mathematics examinations are held in Autumn, Winter and Summer every year, unless stated otherwise.
GCSE English Language
Having a strong grasp of the English language is important for verbal and written communication both in the UK and internationally. If you didn’t gain your English Language GCSE at school, you can choose from online GCSE courses, which include:
GCSE (9-1) English Language – Online Study Book
As well as gain knowledge of the mechanics of the English language, you will also learn how to develop and build upon your creative writing skills. By studying this GCSE course online, you will delve into language segments, including syntax, morphology, and phonology.
Before you begin this online GCSE course, you will undergo a short assessment to separate your strengths from the aspects you may need help with. You will have access to online lessons and practice activities to help you progress, with each lesson ending with a quiz.
There is no requirement to sit a formal exam, but if you would like to, you can purchase an exam with us and we will find you an official exam centre.
GCSE (9-1) English Language (including exam)
The topics you cover are the same outlined in the course highlighted above, with the syllabus covering the Pearson GCSE (9-1) English Language qualification specification. This online GCSE course will focus on various aspects of writing and reading, including:
- Vocabulary
- Grammar and Punctuation
- Spelling
- How to evaluate and compare types of text
- Understanding features and structures of text
Upon completion of this course, you will be ready to sit your GCSE English Language exam. Exams are held at an official exam centre in May/June, and for resits in October/November every year. Exam bookings are required six months in advance of the exams.
GCSE Science
Along with English and Mathematics, GCSE Sciences are among the core group. Having a foundational knowledge of biology, physics, and chemistry will give you a better understanding of how the natural world functions. It can also lead to careers in the environmental or medical sectors if you choose to progress with further study. Below, we have outlined some of the GCSE Science courses available:
This is an online GCSE course that will cover crucial elements of biology that will give you a solid foundation of human biology and how the natural world develops. Over the course of your study, you will cover cell biology, infection, and response, as well as ecology. When you enrol, you will have the benefit of being able to sit the exams, which are accredited by the AQA, formerly the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance.
GCSE Chemistry (including exam)
If you want to progress into a science-based field, a GCSE Chemistry course will kickstart your journey. During this online GCSE course, you will explore atomic structure, the Periodic Table, organic chemistry, and many more important elements. You will need to sit two written AQA exams, made up of multiple-choice questions, open response questions, and short answers.
If you opt to enrol on this course, you will learn all about the physics of space, including the relationships between matter and motion. You will delve into the exploration of waves, forces, and atomic structure. Not only that, but you will dip your toe into the foundations of space travel and astrophysics. To successfully gain your qualification, you will have to pass two AQA exams.
Other subjects
This isn’t all though! We also have GCSEs in the following subjects:
- Economics
- English Literature
- History
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Business Studies
An Example Career Path
If your aspirations are to become a teacher, you will need English, Mathematics and your teaching subject at GCSE as a minimum. After undertaking online GCSE courses,GCSE, you would need to move onto A Levels or equivalent, then on to higher education, specialising in your subject area and gain a teacher training qualification.
If you are unsure about what career path you wish to take, you will most certainly need English and mathematics at GCSE.
How Long is a GCSE Course?
GCSEs at schools are studied over the course of two years, but by learning with Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you could complete a GCSE course online in as little as 6-9 months. This is because you have the benefit of learning in your own time and from the comfort of your own home. Whether you want to schedule study for the evenings or first thing in the morning, these courses allow it.
Alternatives to GCSEs
It is important to note that you have other options should you not want to undertake online GCSE courses. You can also learn Level 2 Functional Skills courses, which act as equivalents to GCSEs. They cover in Mathematics, English, and ICT. If your intention is to progress to university, it is important to check with your chosen university that Functional Skills are accepted.
Enrol Today!
To begin your learning journey, enrol on your chosen GCSE course today! As soon as you sign up, you will be sent all of your course materials instantly, which means that you can begin learning straight away. If you are wondering where to find the cheapest online GCSE courses, then Stonebridge Associated Colleges is a great option as we offer flexible payment options.
To find out more information, speak to one of our Course Advisers by calling 0121 392 8288 or by contacting our support centre.
