It’s almost that time of year again, and as the 22nd August draws nearer we thought it might be helpful to consider some of the key points that might come up on results day. Collecting your GCSE results is probably the first time you’ve received official academic results so it’s understandable that the run-up might be rather stressful, as such, here is some advice to help you to navigate GCSE results:
- Keep Calm -Try your best not to worry as the day approaches, and if you are feeling anxious make sure you are open to your friends and family so that they can support you.
- Be Prepared – Confirm what time you can receive your results from and decide whether you will go into school to collect them or receive them over the phone or email. Some people would rather receive results on their own, whilst others benefit from having others around them – consider what you would prefer in advance and plan accordingly.
- Deciphering the Numerical System – As part of GCSE reforms the GCSE grading system has changed from A*-G to a numerical system from 9 (the highest) to 1. A grade 7 is roughly the same as an A grade.
If you have a grade 3 or below in exams like English and Maths you will be expected to resit these GCSEs.
- Reading your results – it is important to meet any grade requirements you’ve been set for the subjects you’ve chosen to study at a higher level. If you have any doubts or questions prompted by your results discuss them with a parent or your teachers. Teachers are likely to be on hand, both at school or via email/phone, to provide you with advice, particularly with respect to Sixth Form options (e.g. with these GCSE results should I change my A Level options or opt for the IB or Pre U courses? etc.
- Take your time: On receipt of your results remember that there is plenty of time for you to consider your options.
But what if you received an unexpected grade?
Well, you essentially have two options. Before deciding on either make sure that you seek advice from your teachers.
GCSE resits:
- If you don’t achieve at least a grade 4 or 5 (formerly a C) in your maths and English GCSEs, you’ll have to resit these to proceed to A-level study. Resits for these subjects can be taken in November.
- Retakes for other subjects take place the following summer, some schools might allow you to proceed with A levels alongside GCSE resits. This is a discussion you should have with the school as close to results day as possible.
- How will universities view retakes? When applying for university in the future, you will need to declare all the grades you got, including retakes. For highly selective courses universities may take GCSEs and particularly retakes into consideration when assessing an application.
Appealing a Grade:
If you would like to query a grade, then speak to your teacher in the subject and/or your head of year. They can contact the necessary exam body and launch an enquiry about you results. Do this on results day, if you can. Read more about appealing, here.
- What if the remark is worse than the original? The remark is the final grade that counts.
- Why can’t I see a copy of my exam scripts to help me to decide about a remark? At GCSE level if you request to see your exam script, you’ll be unable to ask for a remark.
- How likely is it that my grade will change? Generally, grades are more likely to change when remarked in those subjects where marking is subjective (e.g. English and History) as opposed those with strict mark schemes (e.g. Science and Maths). Remember, if you go down the remark route your grade can go up or down.
Importantly, make sure you take advice from your teacher before opting for a remark.
Keystone’s Consultancy Team have a wealth of experience in offering educational advice, so do give us a call if needs be. We are very happy to help!