How are GCSEs Examined

All GCSEs have some form of examination at the end of the course, with the majority assessed through traditional written exams.

Some subjects also have Non-Exam Assessments (NEAs) to be carried out during Years 10 and 11.  

NEAs cover areas of each subject which are not easily assessed by written exam: for example, practical tasks, oral work or extended projects.  They are generally marked by teachers in school and then moderated by the examination board.  The requirements for each subject are explained in the descriptions on the subject pages of this booklet.  You will be given a list of deadlines and NEA dates by your teacher as soon as they are available.  

You should be aware that the quantity of work to complete by certain dates during Years 10 and 11 is high; to cope with the competing demands of all your subjects, good organisation is important and you will need to plan your time carefully.  

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) in each subject

None Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics, Religious Studies

25% French, German, Spanish (this is the oral component of the course)

40% Engineering, Physical Education, Drama

50% Food Preparation and Nutrition

60% Dance, Music 

100% Art, Craft and Design and Textile Design (40% is under controlled conditions)

How much help can the teacher give?

Teachers must not provide detailed and specific advice on how NEAs should be carried out.  When drafting is one of the skills being assessed, marks will clearly give credit for drafting/redrafting work.  When drafting is not one of the skills being assessed, teachers may review candidates' work, and can provide advice at a general level.

Can they be done at home?

The assessments cannot usually be completed at home although both lessons and homework can be used to prepare for them. The teacher must complete a declaration that the assessments have been supervised throughout.