A Parents’ Guide to GCSEs & A Levels

This is a collaborative post.

Secondary school can be a challenging and confusing time for students and their families, especially when they start their GCSEs and A-Levels. Read on for a simple Parents guide to GCSEs and A-Levels from a Sixth Form in Somerset.

This is when your child can start being more selective about the subjects they want to study, which is a huge decision that can impact their future academic journey.

With that said parents should try and ensure they are as clued up as possible so that they are in the best position to support their children through this challenging period.

When Will My Child Start Their GCSEs and A-Levels?

You’ll probably know before even reading this parent’s guide to GCSEs and A-Levels that the National Curriculum is separated into various key stages.

Key Stage 4 is explored in Years 10 and 11 when your child will study for their GCSE qualifications. They will likely be asked to consider which subjects they want to study during Year 9.

A-Levels are also studied over two years after your child completes their GCSEs.

These are important qualifications that will likely help them secure a place at university if that’s the route your child would like to take. While reading this parent’s guide to GCSEs and A-Levels, think about this in more detail.

What Subjects Should My Child Study?

Optional subjects will vary from school to school. The important thing to remember is that your child should choose subjects they are most interested in and perhaps best at.

It would be foolish for them to choose a subject just because they like the teacher or because their friends are studying it. 

If your child has a particular career route in mind, it would be a good idea for you, as a family, to research what qualifications are required.

For instance, if they want to become a journalist, then it would be wise to choose written subjects and perhaps Media Studies.

Alternatively, if they want to become a Psychologist, then Psychology and other Science-based subjects would be a good choice. 

Parent’s guide to GCSEs and A-Levels Grading?

In 2016, a new grading system was introduced for GCSEs. They are no longer graded as A*, A, B, C and so on but are instead graded on a number scale. Grade 9 is the highest grade, and one is the lowest. 

On the other hand, A-Levels continue to be graded on an A*-E system. Students typically study four subjects in the first year and then drop one for the second year, leaving them with one AS-Level qualification and three full A-Levels. 

During this stage of your child’s education, your involvement is more important than ever before.

Don’t be afraid to speak to your child’s teachers to gain more information and attend open events so that you can ask questions and become more knowledgeable on the process.

Most importantly, try not to put too much pressure on your teenager and remain a positive, enthusiastic role model.

Has this parent’s guide to GCSEs and A-Levels helped you? Let me know in the comments below.