GCSEs are compulsory. Tasks include writing to inform, persuade, describe, advise, explain, as well as analysis of poetry and media based texts and recognition of fact and opinion. Pupils are assessed on reading, writing and speaking and listening skills. English literature assessment is both exam and coursework based.
GCSEs are compulsory. Maths is an exam based GCSE but most exam boards also include a piece of coursework in the assessment. It includes study of numbers, algebra and trigonometry. Statistics is an optional companion GCSE to math, focusing on the study of data manipulation and statistics. It is assessed primarily through exams, though some exam boards also use coursework.
GCSEs are compulsory. Science can be taken as individual GCSEs in chemistry, biology and physics, or as a "Double" or "Single" award. Science is a compulsory GCSE, but methods of study vary, depending on school and pupil ability. Physics is the study of forces; chemistry, of elements; biology, of nature. Single and Double science awards include elements from all three disciplines.
GCSEs are optional. Most pupils study a foreign language throughout Key Stage 3 and are given the option to continue to study one or more to reach GCSE level. Most common are French, German and Spanish, though there are many other languages available. Pupils are assessed on their ability to read, write, speak and listen to the language through both coursework and examinations.
GCSEs are optional. Both exams and coursework are used in assessment. There are a range of modules to choose from, so structure of the course may vary between schools, even if they use the same exam board.
GCSEs are optional.Tests are both coursework and exam based. Some exam boards have two exams, one done earlier in the year before the main bulk of exams in May and June.
GCSEs are optional. The study and analysis of media texts, such as films, advertisements, magazines and newspapers. Assessment is through both coursework and exams. Pupils are assessed on their ability to analyse and produce media texts.
GCSEs are optional. The study of music theory, composition, composers and performance. Pupils will be assessed on compositions, performances as well as exams. Assessment is heavily coursework based. Pupils are required to analyse and imitate famous artists and produce an art portfolio of their own. Assessment is heavily coursework based. Drama is the analytical study of plays and the production of and the performance of drama, both scripted and improvised. Assessment is heavily coursework based.
GCSEs are optional. Most schools offer a choice of technologies. All technology GCSEs are heavily coursework and practical work based, but most have a written exam element.
GCSEs are optional. Assessment is practical and exam based.
GCSEs are optional. The study of computers and their applications. Heavily coursework based, often with extended project work.
There are a number of changes to the GCSE qualification happening in the school year starting September 2010, the most notable change being the shift from coursework to 'controlled assessment.' This entails pupils preparing for a coursework but completing it in controlled conditions at school rather than taking it home.
There are a number of different exam boards used in the UK, the most common being AQA, OCR, Edexcel and the WJEC. GCSE content will vary between boards, but the basic principals of the course remain the same, and no exam board is held in any higher esteem than the others. All the qualifications are equal.
This is not a comprehensive list. For the full spectrum of GCSEs offered, see your school website or refer to the exam board websites.