For 16-year-olds up and down the country, GCSEs are the biggest milestone they’ll be facing that can give them a lot of pressure and anxiety. Fortunately, with the help of their parents, there can be a lot we can do to help if we know the ins and outs of GCSEs and the exams process. Here in this guide from a prep school in Somerset, we explore how you can get a better understanding of these exams.

Choosing GCSEs

Subjects are chosen at the end of year 8 or 9. Before your child gets to choose subjects they’ll be able to attend open evenings where they explore the subjects in detail. There are some subjects that will be compulsory, like the maths, english and science subjects, but others will be dropped in favour of more particular study time on the subjects they choose.

When are the exams held?

Exams are usually held between May and June in years 10 and 11, with the results day being in the last week of August. That means your child should begin revising by the start of the new year in order to prepare for the exams as much as they can.

How GCSEs are graded

The way GCSEs evolved from O Levels back in the 1980s makes them the way they are today. Before 2016 they were graded using A* - U system which has now changed to a numbering system from 1 - 9. If you receive a 9 grade you’ll be receiving an A*.

How can you help your child with their revision?

A top recommendation is helping your child set up a timetable for them to follow after school. They then have a specific amount of revision on each subject so that none are forgotten about. Explore multiple revision techniques with your child and see which ones help the most to optimise revision time.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.