New Grading Explained

Morning Peeps!

Gone are the days of A* and F grades, all main subjects at GCSE are now graded 9-1. A lot of people ask me to explain it to them, so I thought I’d share it on here.

9 is basically above an old A* for the elite who get full marks.

4 and above is a pass (like the old C and above system, but according to my daughter’s school this may rise to a 5 in subsequent years… this is just the teething stage after all. The C as 5 makes more sense to me as it would be more like a number per grade

The C as 5 makes more sense to me as it would be more like a number per grade, but at the moment they stand like this:

• 9-7 are equal to A*, A+, A
• 6-4 are equal to B and C (3 numbers for 2 grades!? I know, but that’s what they said…for now)
• 3-1 are the old D-G

 

This makes a difference to nearly everyone at GCSE because even if the student wants to take a practical A-Level or NVQ,  they are expected to get a 4 or higher in English and Maths. There will be re-sits of exams available in the sixth form for those who didn’t quite manage a 4 in Year 11.

Yesterday we were told that by the time our teenager gets to GCSEs, the 4 or above rule will include English Literature too.

Also, some courses who currently accept a C as an entry requirement are upping their entry to a 5 or 6. I don’t know if this is to be more selective when they have large numbers applying or if it’s to pre-empt the rise of a C from 4 to 5. Either way, if you’re looking at 16+ courses then make sure you have the latest prospectus and entry requirements as they may have changed from this year.

If you know anything about my teaching, you’ll know I love CGP revision books. They have books with new grades in and there’s a nice visual representation of the new grades here.

I hope I haven’t scared anyone, change is never easy, but I thought you should be prepared for it. IF you need to question me further, please feel free!

Have a chilled Tuesday,

Anna x

 

 

Photo by JJ Thompson on Unsplash