essay based subjects gcse

Here’s How to Decide Which GCSE Subjects You Should Take

13 Dec, 2023 | Blog Articles , Get the Edge

Trial and reflection

It can often feel like everyone around you has a clear sense of their goals and direction, which can be really intimidating.

The first thing to remember is that you’re not alone. Lots of your peers will also be unsure of their path at this stage, and that’s no bad thing! 

You can use this freedom to explore new avenues and directions. Taster sessions, open days and workshops for a range of potential subjects can ignite new passions and interests, and experiences like our Oxford-based summer courses are a great place to start. 

Choosing your GCSEs is only the first step of a long journey so make the most of the freedom you have, safe in the knowledge that even after you have finished your GCSEs, your options will very much still be open. 

The next two years will be enriching and challenging, but ultimately they represent the start of a journey towards a bright, exciting future, which is a definite cause for celebration!

Sam is a recent English graduate from the University of Bristol whose interests include twentieth-century fiction, film, and cultural criticism.

Get a head start on your future!

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What are the 11 GCSE subjects?

What are good subjects for gcse, what are the easiest gcse subjects, what are the hardest gcse subjects, tips on picking the best easy gcse subjects, is aqa the hardest exam board, are igcses easier than gcses.

While choosing hard or easy GCSE subjects should come down to each student and their skills and interests , there are some common favourites. We’re going to share the easiest GCSE subjects and look at them in detail to give you a good indication of what to expect. Plus, we’ll give you some top tips on making this important life decision.

First of all, let’s look at the 11 GCSE subjects. This list includes the 11 standard GCSE subjects and groups . Some schools have their own compulsory subjects but they’ll advise you of all the subjects available including optional and mandatory ones. 

The final four in this list are groups that subjects can be chosen from (e.g. French under Modern Foreign Languages ).

• English Language
• English Literature
• Science (biology, physics, and/or chemistry)
• Physical Education (PE)
• Citizenship
• Design and technology
• Modern Foreign Languages

The following table uses data compiled from the Schools Week site that has a full list of results for each subject over the previous 3 years. We’ve taken the total percentage of students that received a grade 7, 8, or 9 . From here you can see which are the easiest in recent years to score the highest grades in. 

Is history or geography better for GCSE?

The answer to this question will ultimately boil down to an individual’s preference. If you’re interested in one of these GCSE subjects then that’s great because learning subjects is always easier if you’re motivated to study . 

However, if you like both and are choosing between the two then the next question you should ask yourself is whether you need either for further education if you’ve mapped out your career path . 

We know that you’re probably still asking yourself, “is history GCSE hard vs geography though?”. Well, geography does tend to be seen as an “easy” GCSE. But if we compare some stats, they fair about the same.

As we saw in the table above, they both provide a good opportunity for getting great grades. In 2021, 34.2 per cent of geography students received a 7, 8, or 9, and for history, the result was 32.3 per cent. If we look at the other end of the spectrum the lowest grades awarded to students in both these GCSE subjects in 2021 were very similar. 

If you’re looking for the easiest GCSE subjects to take, let’s look at what the general consensus of students who’ve taken them is.

The easiest GCSEs as ranked by students

It’s a useful measure to see how students themselves feel about the subjects. The British Exams lists the top 10 easiest GCSEs as reported by students:

• Film Studies
• Religious Studies
• Media Studies
• Hospitality and Catering
• Business Studies
• Physical Education
• Design and Technology

Let’s look at why each of these has made it to the “easiest GCSE” list. Just remember that this is all down to the individual and what one teen finds a breeze can be a real challenge to another student and vice versa. This also isn’t meant to trivialise these subjects because making this list doesn’t mean they aren’t relevant or important.

• Geography 

Geography is simple to understand and much of the content is common knowledge. You will be able to relate a lot of the learnings to real-life making it easier for many than maths, for example. As we saw in the table above, 34.2 per cent of students received a grade 7, 8, or 9 in 2021 for this subject. 

The subject spans a variety of topics from physical geography (e.g. climate or rivers) to human geography ( e.g. cultural, political ). When it comes to exam time, as you would expect with geography it is straightforward and focused on facts and what you have learned in class. This makes it less subjective as a subject and the road to success clear and unambiguous. 

This comes as no surprise and most students are aware that this subject can be a lot of fun. It essentially involves watching films and critically analysing them by comparing their lighting, cinematography and other relevant aspects. 

If you are one of the vast majority that is glued to the screen and actually appreciate a great film, this can be a good option. 

Students generally consider Religious Studies to be straightforward and the syllabus is short. It covers the basic religious beliefs of popular religions and also touches upon philosophical aspects and issues as well as religion in society.

The exams are essay-based so if you are good at writing and formulating an argument backed by evidence you should find this easy. As we saw in the table above, 37.7 per cent of students received a grade of 7, 8, or 9 in 2021 for this subject. 

Media Studies has long been cited as one of the most engaging subjects. By nature, it is full of debate and interesting discussions . What’s more, in our heavily media-driven times, most students find it highly relevant and easy to analyse. 

This subject has two main components: theory and practical. Students will learn about the industry including key factors such as financial viability . The practical side includes preparing dishes which obviously has its appeal for many students. 

Why is business GCSE easy? Business Studies is based on common sense and the level of maths is not considered too difficult by most. It focuses on different kinds of businesses and how contributing factors impact them (e.g. laws, finances). As we saw in the table above, 33.1 per cent of students received a grade 7, 8, or 9 in 2021 for this subject. 

Studying drama allows you to express your own ideas and emotions through practical demonstrations and discussions. You also learn about theatre concepts such as lighting, props, etc. A written exam is still required but most of the course is made up of practical components. For this reason, if you shy away from exams but not from the stage it’s a great compromise. 

Students generally love physical education because nearly half of the grade comes from practical performance. However, there is still a theory component that is based on biology and there are also topics on different types of exercise and wellbeing. 

• Design and Technology  

This subject doesn’t have complex maths or science and would give you the opportunity to learn about new technologies, materials and other technical principles. Half of the grade is based on a practical component so it’s another great choice if you don’t thrive in an exam setting. 

Many students find this a fascinating subject because of the topics covered such as poverty , crime, and types of families. If you study hard and learn the concepts, practise past papers and know the essay structure expected, then you should do well. 

You may want to avoid the hardest GCSE subjects if you’re not academically inclined and you don’t need those subjects for further education. Future-proofing your options should always be taken into consideration when deciding on subjects. 🎓

The hardest GCSE subject was decided as Further Maths by a consensus of students on The British Exams site. Some students will thrive in this subject though and if you are already doing well at maths there would be no reason to avoid it because it’s on the “hard” list. 

What is the hardest GCSE, in order

• Further Maths
• Computer Science

We know you came here looking for the easiest GCSE subjects, but this list highlights some important factors. If you take physics, chemistry , and biology which make the “hard” list, they came at the top of the list of high-scoring subjects in 2021:

• Biology - 56.7 per cent of students were graded a 7, 8, or 9
• Physics - 55.4 per cent of students were graded a 7, 8, or 9
• Chemistry - 54.9 per cent of students were graded a 7, 8, or 9

So, while they may require dedicated study and concentration, they also provide an excellent opportunity for getting good grades. The moral of the story is don’t be afraid of subjects on these lists or any others out there. With that, let’s look at how you pick the best GCSE subjects that will be both easy (enough) and rewarding.

Picking GCSE subjects usually happens around year nine but it does vary between schools. This can be a very daunting task, especially as it can feel like your whole life depends on it. If you need to pick your subjects, there are some definite dos and don’ts that you can follow or avoid. 

How to pick the right easy GCSE subjects

If you are 100 per cent (or even 90 per cent) certain of your career path and you need to go to university or further education for it, you should always choose GCSE subjects that are prerequisites. 

If you have no idea what you want to do with your future, you certainly won’t be alone. 🤷🏽‍♀️ The benefit here is you can literally choose any of the easy GCSE subjects without worrying about the impact too much at this stage. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy your chosen subjects as you progress and this will be much truer if you choose subjects that play to your strengths and/or interests. 

For the many that don’t know what they want to be when they “grow up”, another top tip is to keep your selection broad. By studying a different range of subjects it helps to leave your options open. You will also work out what areas you like more and this can help guide you when you’re considering your A-level choices or whether to go to university . 

Having said that, it’s not always a smart choice to take on too many subjects . The more subjects that you have to study for, the less time you can dedicate to each. While this can work out fine for some students, it can also be overwhelming and bring their grades down in the end. 

How to avoid picking the wrong easy GCSE subjects

There are a couple of pitfalls that many students fall into when deciding on their GCSEs. The number one move to avoid is choosing a subject because one or more of your friends are taking it – unless you are actually interested in it, of course. 

In a similar vein, it’s not wise to pick a subject because of the teacher . Even if they are the coolest, most interesting teacher at the school, there are no guarantees you will get that teacher or that that teacher won’t change schools, take a career break, etc. 

Don’t just pick easy GCSE subjects because they sound fun. You have to have some interest or skill in the area if you’re going to truly succeed. While many students might do well in music if you aren’t musically oriented you’re going to struggle even though it’s “easy” to some. 

Picking the right subjects always comes down to the individual. If you excel at a certain subject and enjoy it, then that is a great reason to choose it. It can be tempting for your parents to try to persuade or influence you too. However, at the end of the day, if they are pushing you in a direction that feels wrong, it’s best to listen to your gut.

Something else you need to consider – as if subjects alone weren’t enough – is the exam board that your school uses. There are three exam boards: AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. Why does this matter? Well, the different boards are known for being harder on certain subjects and easier on others. Of course, this is also subjective but it's worth bearing in mind. 

The varying exam boards also mean that you could get a better grade than a student with higher marks at a different school with another exam board or vice versa. 🤔 That’s because the grades awarded are based on grade boundaries. 

To work out whether IGCSE is harder than GCSE or vice versa it’s worthwhile explaining any differences first.

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is similar to the GCSE and is recognised in the UK as equivalent. The IGCSEs were developed by the University of Cambridge International Examinations to offer English language-based exams overseas. 

One of the main differences is that students receive an IGCSE qualification for each subject they take. Both the IGCSE and GCSE use the same grading. 

Some independent schools in the UK offer IGCSEs as an alternative to following the GCSE for international IGCSE subjects. This is largely because prior to the changes made to GCSE in 2017 the IGCSE was considered more difficult than the national curriculum. 

What are the easiest IGCSE subjects?

The Department of Education compared the two qualifications in 2019 and determined it was easier to get an A in English Language and English Literature in IGCSEs but more difficult to get an A in Sciences. Most of the other subjects are on par with each other. 

If your school offers IGCSE syllabuses you’ve probably heard of them as Cambridge International Certificates. They are mostly found in private schools . If you are falling behind in any IGCSE or GCSE subjects, we have tutors that specialise in each. You can book a free trial to see just how beneficial private one-on-one classes can be. 

Hopefully, now you can answer questions like “is history a hard GCSE?” or “is drama one of the easy GCSE subjects?”. Looking at previous years’ results can help to paint a picture of how students felt about subjects they took and which were the easiest or hardest. 

🙌 When you are ready to decide, remember less can be more, go with your strengths, and don’t shy away from a “hard” subject if you need it for uni or further education. After all, GCSEs aren’t meant to be a walk in the park so some effort is going to be needed to do well in any of the subjects. 

If you are enthusiastic and passionate about a topic, studying won’t feel so gruelling and you might even get to enjoy it along the way!

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What are GCSEs?

How many gcse subjects are compulsory, what optional subjects can i take, when do i need to choose my gcse options, how to choose your gcse subjects, what if i change my mind, most popular gcse options, choose your gcse subjects - a guide to gcse options for secondary school.

Liam Hindson

• Choose your GCSE subjects - A guide to GCSE options at secondary schoo

• Physical education (PE)
• Citizenship
• Art and Design
• Film Studies
• Media Studies
• Computer Science
• Design and Technology
• Electronics
• Engineering
• Food Technology
• Physical Education - PE is a compulsory subject at GCSE You can also select it as an option, which will focus more on sports science.
• Humanities:
• Religious Studies
• Modern Foreign Languages - The most common languages taught are French, German and Spanish. Learning a modern foreign language is sometimes compulsory, such as at grammar schools:
• The subject is easy - It's understandable to pick a subject that has a high pass rate and is considered "easy". That said, you're far more likely to get a good mark in a subject you find interesting and enjoy. You will concentrate better in lessons, put more effort into homework and this will show in your final exams. Following your interests will also reap benefits in the future when you consider career opportunities.
• Your parents want you to take it - For the reasons mentioned above, it's important to choose a subject you are interested in. Your parents have your best interests in mind but only you know best where your interests lie.
• Your friend is doing it - You need plenty of guidance when choosing your GCSEs, but ultimately this is an independent decision. If you take your time and weigh all the pros and cons carefully, you are far more likely to pick the right option than to follow what your friend is doing. Not least because your friend may be in a different class than you.
• Find out the available subjects - Imagine taking your time carefully deciding your GCSE options only to discover that one or more subjects aren't covered by your school. Finding out the available options at your school should be the first step. These subjects will normally be listed on the school website.
• Go to a GCSE options meeting - Your school will host at least one meeting for students and their parents/guardians to discuss GCSE options. Ask questions about the subjects you're considering, including the topics covered and how you will be examined. For example, History is a subject where the historical periods focussed on will play an important role in a student's interest and engagement.
• Ask for advice - Try to get advice from your parents/guardians and check with your teachers. You can talk with friends and any siblings who may have recently completed their GCSEs. This information can be very helpful in making your final decision.
• How is the subject assessed? - Some subjects will focus on essay writing, while other subjects are more factual. Some subjects may have a stronger focus on coursework - such as a portfolio in Art - while others put more weight on final exams. Consider your own strengths in relation to this: are you better at taking exams or coursework?
• What career do you want? - If you have an idea of what you want to pursue as a career, it's worth considering the GCSE options that are most suitable. For example, if you are interested in sports as a career, Physical Education is a crucial option. It focuses more on sports science at GCSE, which will complement the sport/s you compete in.
• Keep your options open - If you aren't sure what you want to do as a career - which is very common in years 8 - 9 - it's a good idea to keep your options open. If you study a range of subjects, this will give you a good awareness of different topics and develop a wide range of skills. Learning a variety of subjects will also help you to narrow down future career possibilities, based on the GCSE subjects you enjoy most and/or are best at.
• Geography - Focussing on the environment, the skills you develop in Geography include working in the field. It is a good subject for students interested in issues facing the world, such as climate change. There are 3 written papers to sit and topics covered include the physical environment and human environment. The exams are not essay based and it is more important to share key information than developed arguments. It is a popular subject with many students, in part due to trips for fieldwork. The pass mark is lower, with 72.1% of students receiving a 4 or higher. GCSE Geography is the study of the physical and human environment. It tests and develops the skills of memory, problem-solving, and working in the field . It’s good for people who are interested in the issues the world faces and learning about different countries.
• History - This is a useful subject if you're thinking about pursuing higher education and/or a career in Law of Politics. GCSE History tests your knowledge and ability to develop a clear argument. There are 2-3 exams that will cover four historical periods/themes - each exam is essay based and you will need to present facts to prove your argument. There is no coursework. It requires a lot of memory retention for historical facts. 70.4% of students received a 4 or above in History.
• Religious Studies - A wide range of faiths are studied in Religious Studies, including how they interact with the world. This interaction includes consideration of philosophy and ethics, which would complement Philosophy as a subject in A-Levels. There are 2 equally weighted written assessments - the first is about religious beliefs and the second focuses on themes. You need to write an essay for both exams. There is no coursework. It is regarded as one of the easiest GCSEs and has a high pass rate, with 76.7% of students receiving a 4 or above.
• Art & Design - There are two parts to Art & Design: you create a portfolio (60% of the total grade) and complete a set assessment (40% of the total grade). There are no written assessments, although the coursework does require you to write annotations about the artists you studied and about your own work. Unsurprisingly, Art & Design requires creativity. It has a high pass rate, with 81.4% of students receiving 4 or above.

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• How to Choose Your GCSEs: An Expert Guide to Finding the Right Subject Choices for You

You take many more GCSEs than A-levels, and you’ll be glad to learn that this means it’s much easier to choose. The idea of GCSEs is to give you a broad general knowledge, from which you can then become increasingly specialised through A-levels and then your undergraduate degree (or, more specialised still, a Masters or PhD beyond that). GCSEs are like the broad base of the pyramid, with subsequent qualifications getting increasingly narrow in focus the further up the pyramid you go.

Which subjects are compulsory?

Some GCSE subjects are chosen for you, as they’re compulsory. These are:

• English (English Literature and English Language or a single English GCSE)
• Science (Core Science, Double Science or Triple Science)

Theoretically, a Modern Language isn’t compulsory, but your school policy may dictate that it is, so check with your teachers. This list will be bad news to you if you were hoping to be able to drop maths! You’ll have to wait until A-level to be able to dispense with these subjects if they’re not your cup of tea.

Questions to consider

Before you make the decision as to which of the non-compulsory options you’re going to choose, there are a few things to think about to help you approach this process logically.

Your longer-term aims

The start of your career may seem a long way off and therefore not particularly relevant right now, but such considerations should have a bearing on your GCSE choices because you need the right foundation on which to build relevant skills and experience. So, if you can, try to start by thinking long-term and then work backwards. What university degree do you think you might want to do? Work back from there – what A-levels would you need to apply for that degree? And what GCSEs would be helpful for these A-levels? It’s worth noting that GCSEs are looked at by universities as secondary indications of your knowledge, academic talent and so on. When you apply to university you’ll have your AS grades, but your complete A-level grades are only a prediction. The last concrete evidence of your academic ability comes in the form of your GCSE grades, so they are important. If you have the opportunity to do a GCSE that might prove helpful for a particular degree, then do it. NB: Don’t worry if you have no idea what you want to do long-term yet. If that’s the case, pick a broad selection of respected subjects that will keep your options open.

Don’t try to bite off more than you can chew. Quality is more important than quantity, so choose a number that you’re confident you can manage to juggle. Don’t forget that the workload for some subjects may be greater than others – requiring more reading, for example – so try not to choose too many high-workload options. Your teachers should be able to comment on whether your proposed GCSE subjects would give you a manageable workload.

Non-compulsory subjects

Not all schools offer all the non-compulsory subjects, but you should be offered at least one subject from each of these broad groups:

Design and Technology

• Modern Foreign Languages

You’re not obliged to choose one subject from each of these groups; you can choose more from some than others according to your interests. At GCSE level, a varied selection of subjects is desirable, as this keeps your options open. Note that a GCSE in a particular subject isn’t always necessary to take that subject on at A-level. With some A-levels, while you don’t need to do the subject at GCSE, but it would certainly give you a headstart over someone who hadn’t done it before; for other A-levels, doing the GCSE is essential. It’s worth looking into A-level subjects you might want to do straightaway, so you can check what the requirements are.

Introducing some of the main non-compulsory subjects

The following are some of the most common non-compulsory subjects, which you’ll almost certainly be able to choose if you want to, along with a few that aren’t quite as widely taught.

GCSE History tends to cover the World Wars and other 20th century events, so if your historical interests lie further back in time you may be slightly disappointed by this syllabus. Nevertheless, the skills you’ll learn will be invaluable should you wish to take on History in the long-term. History is quite a challenging subject that requires a good memory for dates and issues, and an analytical mind. You learn to question the reliability of sources, which makes it good for developing critical thinking skills that will be essential once you get to university.

Modern Languages

Languages are invariably a good thing to have on your CV – employers love them – so taking one at GCSE is strongly advised. A GCSE in a language may also be required for some degree courses, such as English. A Modern Language at GCSE may be compulsory at your school, though it’s not officially a compulsory subject. If it isn’t, it’s well worth taking one anyway, because languages open many doors.

This interesting subject covers earth processes and human interactions with the planet. It’s also a fairly straightforward subject and it’s easy to do well in it. The possible downside is that it will involve field trips, so if you’re not one for donning a waterproof and wellies and getting out into the countryside, it might not be the right subject for you!

Law is an interesting subject that gives you a better understanding of the UK justice system and can make you better informed about your own legal options in a variety of situations. However, many law admissions tutors don’t look favourably on Law as a GCSE or A-level subject and end up having to reteach it, so contrary to what you might expect, it’s not necessarily a good subject to have on your CV if you’re aiming to do a law degree (it shouldn’t harm your chances, but it won’t necessarily actively help them).

This is a useful foundation for the A-level course, though not compulsory. Psychology is the study of human behaviour, with a bit of biology mixed in (for example, gaining an overview of how the brain works and the effect that certain chemicals in the brain can have on behaviour). It’s a good way to develop a deeper understanding of those around you and the factors that could be influencing both their behaviour and yours.

GCSE Music is an enjoyable subject that develops a range of skills, both practical and analytical. It combines elements of performance, composition and listening with the study of the history of music and various different genres of music, from the 17th century to the present day.

Ideal for the more creative among you, GCSE Art allows you to unleash your imagination in a variety of artistic mediums, including things like painting, drawing, sculpture and photography. You build up a portfolio throughout the course, which will be submitted for assessment at the end. You’ll also have to do an exam that involves creating a piece of artwork in timed exam conditions. Because of the focus on coursework throughout the course, it’s not a subject that you can leave to the last minute, so it requires your complete commitment right from the start.

The ‘Design and Technology’ umbrella covers a number of individual topics, each of which constitutes a GCSE in its own right. These are Food Technology, Textiles Technology, Systems and Control, Electronic Products, Graphics and Product Design. Such subjects provide useful knowledge for those wishing to go into business or manufacturing, but are largely less relevant to traditional academic subjects that you might be aiming to study at university.

Religious Studies

This subject teaches you about the world’s religions, and you’ll tackle such big topics as God, death, prejudice and war. As a GCSE subject it’s very relevant to the real world, as you learn about the beliefs that underpin many of the issues you’ll see on the news everyday.

Business Studies

Business Studies arguably isn’t viewed as one of the more ‘serious’ GCSE subjects, but it’s nevertheless an interesting introduction to the world of business , and one that’s likely to stand you in good stead come the start of your career. You’ll cover how to set up and grow a business, as well as aspects of business such as finance, manufacturing and marketing.

General advice

If you’ve made it this far into this article, you probably now have a better idea of the kind of subjects that capture your interest. Here are a few more words of general advice to bear in mind as you make your final decision.

• Choose subjects that you find interesting – you’ll do better at them if you’re genuinely curious about them.
• If you’re more of a scientific person, and you think you might end up doing a degree in a scientific subject, more science subjects will better prepare you for this.
• The same goes for those of you who tend more towards the humanities – naturally, more humanities subjects will stand you in good stead for a degree on the arts side of things.
• If you don’t have a preference, or you’re not sure what you want to do long-term, balance the humanities and science subjects to give yourself a broad range of knowledge and skills, as this will keep your options open.
• Tempting though it may be, don’t select a particular subject just because you like the person who teaches it. Your GCSE choices should be based on what’s best for your future, rather than the short-term enjoyment of a particular teacher’s company! That’s not to mention the fact that that teacher might leave and be replaced by one you don’t like so much.

Before we end this article, there’s one more thing you should be aware of…

Changes to GCSEs from 2015 onwards

There’s a shake-up of GCSEs in the offing that you should know about, as it’s going to affect the qualifications from 2015 onwards. The aim is to make certain GCSEs more challenging, amid accusations every year that GCSEs are getting easier. What this means is that GCSEs in English, Maths, the Sciences, Geography and History are going to get harder, with less coursework, and the majority of the exams taken right at the very end of the two-year course, rather than module by module. What’s more, if you’re predicted to attain an A or A* in Maths or Science, you’ll have to sit an extra exam. The style of the exams is changing, with harder, essay-style questions replacing many of the simpler questions on current papers. And, for many subjects, the distinction between foundation and higher tier papers will be a thing of the past, meaning that all candidates sit the same exam. You won’t really appreciate the difference between the old GCSEs and the new ones, as you won’t be able to compare the two, but it’s worth being aware of these changes from the point of view of being unable to rely on past papers, and so that you can mentally prepare yourself for the challenges that lie ahead!

What other support is available to help you choose?

You don’t have to make this decision on your own. There are plenty of sources of support (in addition to this article!), which include:

• Teachers , who should be happy to tell you more about what the courses involve.
• Information evenings at your school.
• Careers advice – this can help you work towards a specific career goal, so that you can be well-prepared as early as possible.
• Parents – it’s worth getting their opinion, as they will have a different perspective to you and may have suggestions that you hadn’t considered.

Ultimately, of course, the decision should be yours; your instincts should lead you to the choices that are right for you. But as with any decision, approaching it fully-informed will reassure you that you’re making the most sensible choices.

Image credits: banner ; Romeo and Juliet ; Pembroke College ; design and technology ; Vietnam protest ; globe ; violin ; church ; microscope ; exam room . 

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iCould - Choices at 14 Video

iCould: Choosing your GCSE options

What you will learn on this page:

What are gcses.

These are the general qualifications you will do usually in Y10 and Y11 but some schools start in Y9. 

You will choose your GCSE subjects in Year 9 (Y8 in some schools) and then study these subjects until Year 11.

You are likely to study between 7 and 9 GCSE subjects depending on your school.  GCSEs are assessed by exams taken at the end of the two year course.

GCSEs include subjects:

• y ou have to do - such as English, Maths and Science.
• you can choose to continue with or not -  such as Art, History or PE

You might also be able to  choose courses which are new to you, which might be   work related qualifications - such as health and social care, business and media.

Most GCSEs will be good general preparation for further learning and work so it’s not crucial to choose specific subjects to fit with a specific career at this stage. 

There are a few things to bear in mind when choosing:

• If you are looking for a future career or course in science then choose double or triple Science.
• If you want to have a career in art or design in the future, then choose an arts focused GCSE.
• if you want to deal with customers from other countries or work abroad then a language will be very useful.

Here are some other useful tips on how to and how not to choose your GCSEs.

Tips for how to choose and how not to choose your GCSEs!

How not to choose.

Choosing a subject because:

• You’ve heard it's easy
• Your parents want you to do it
• You like the teacher [you may not be in their class]
• Your friend says they’re doing it! [you might not be in the same class]

How to Choose

• Find out what subjects your school is offering . These will usually be advertised on the school website or the school will give you an options booklet.
• Attend a year 8/9 options event at school [bring your parents too]. Make sure you ask questions about what’s involved in the subjects and what you’ll be learning about. It might be very different to what you have studied so far. Does it sound interesting? Do you think you will enjoy it?
• Ask your parents and teachers for advice , and if you have any friends or brothers and sisters who have done the course already - ask them about it.
• Find out how the course is assessed ? Are you someone who does better in coursework than in exams? If so, some of the vocational [work related] courses might be worth considering.
• Trying to choose between two subjects? Think about how each option fits with your other GCSEs. Does a subject go well with your other choices? Or does a subject provide a welcome change? If you’re taking lots of science and maths based subjects, it can be good to include one choice which is essay based.

Think about your plans for the future

No idea what you want to do after your GCSEs?  Don’t worry, choose a mix of GCSE subjects to give yourself as many different options as possible.

If you like one of your GCSE subjects  and are looking for ideas of what careers or courses it could lead onto –  go to start with a subject.

Do the Skills Profile and find out what skills you have.

Got an idea of a job or job sector you think might suit you  then check out the  job profiles in the job sectors.

Know what you want to do in the future? 

Some careers such as architecture, vet, working with languages etc. may require specific degree courses. The  job profiles in the job sectors  has details of all the entry requirements for these jobs.

In this case work backwards - to get into these degree courses you may need specific A levels/Level 3 qualifications, and to do these you may need certain GCSE subjects and grades. 

Check out what GCSE/A level subjects and grades you need for particular degree courses on  informed choices  and  UCAS.

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Are GCSEs (Actually) Hard?

In GCSE by Think Student Editor February 5, 2022 Leave a Comment

More than half a million Year 11 students take GCSE exams each year. That’s about 4.6 million exam entries and more than 5.2 million exam papers made. It’s no surprise that many students find this time challenging, but is it really that necessary that Year 11’s stress over these exams? Are the grades that they want really that difficult to get? How hard are the GCSE exams? 

GCSE exams were designed to be challenging, but not impossible. Everyone has their own unique definition of the word “hard”. Therefore, it is impossible to give a straight yes or no answer. It’s also important to mention that everyone takes a different mix of subjects and many students sit a combination of higher and foundation exams. Because of this there are so many factors than can help to understand as to whether a GCSE subject is ‘hard’.  

Seeing as there isn’t a straightforward answer, I recommend you continue reading to get an idea of whether the GCSE exams are (actually) hard. 

Table of Contents

What’s the Main Challenge of GCSE Exams?

Students tend to find GCSE qualifications difficult, but why?  For the GCSE exams around 9 subjects are studied, some take less, but there are students who take up to 12. The biggest challenge for students is to balance the workload they will face when taking their GCSEs.

GCSEs are the first time in most students lives they will need to learn how to balance schoolwork, after school activities and social life. This is a huge challenge and is part of preparing kids for the adult world. 

When taking GCSEs there is a huge mix of subjects, skills, and knowledge. This can be incredibly difficult to manage. Students struggle to balance enough time to be able to do everything they used to do on a day-to-day basis, as well as including revision.

It is essential to manage your time well, creating a thorough revision timetable is a great way to do this. But the more important part is sticking to that revision timetable and holding yourself accountable to it.  Creating a successful revision timetable can be difficult , luckily we have a great article to guide you through creating your own revision timetable, click here to learn more.  

As well as having an effective revision timetable the way in which you actually revise is vitally important to be successful in your GCSE exams. To find more about how to revise effectively check out this article  here.  

Are There Any “Easy” GCSE Exams?

Some subjects that can be considered as “easier” than others.  Photography, PE (physical education), Music, Drama and also languages (especially if you grew up speaking 2 or more languages) are all potentially on this list. Check out this article to find out more.

Just because some subjects are considered easier than others this doesn’t mean that everyone will find these subjects “easy”.  Some subjects like PE, are quite coursework heavy. So, if coursework isn’t your cup of tea, then doing some of those subjects may appear rather tricky.  It really is different for everyone.  

Coursework itself isn’t always easy, which is a misconception, so make sure to carefully select your GCSE options with this in mind.  It’s useful to talk to teachers about this as they can give you detailed answers about coursework for a subject. If you would like to read more about coursework, then click  here.  

As you can see, there isn’t a subject that’s so easy everyone could get a 9. If that were the case, we would all be taking it!   

Which GCSE Subjects Do Students Tend to Find Most Difficult?

This is an overall view on the most “difficult” subjects, but everyone will have a different opinion. Usually, students will immediately respond with either Maths or English.  There is a saying that your either an “English person” or a “Maths’ person” but that isn’t to say you can’t be both!  If you want to find out if you’re an “English person,” or a “Maths’ person” click  here . 

In 2017, the subject ranked as the most difficult was Modern Foreign Languages (or MFL for short).  Many students do find learning another language, such as French, Spanish or German, hard because of the multiple exams and skills that are being tested.  A reason for this is that multiple parts of the brain are being used to speak, read, listen, and write. Read more about languages and the brain  here  (Points 3 and 4 include the most information).

Maths and Science

Students also tend to find maths and the three sciences difficult . Especially physics which relates to maths, not only in working out equations, but also the concepts and the way you are taught the majority of the topics.  

Reasons why science and maths can be seen as difficult is due to the patience and persistence it takes. For many, it is not something that comes intuitively or automatically, it takes plenty of effort. It is a subject that requires students to devote lots and lots of time and energy. A lot of brain power and determination is needed, but simply not everyone has enough. 

People who are left-brain thinkers tend to understand things in sequential bits, making math and science easier to understand , as it’s easier to grasp different concepts.  Right-brain thinkers are more artistic and intuitive, making them better at creative subjects. They also tend to find essay-based subjects easier.

Read more about why students find maths difficult   here  and why students find science difficult  here.  

The Humanities

There are two main humanities subjects: history and geography.  If the choice of one of these is compulsory in your school, there is always a big debate between students about which one is easier, and even which one is better! 

In history, the amount of subjectivity involved in marking exams (just like in English, and other essay-based subjects) means it can be difficult to score the top grades.  One essay might be an amazing grade 9 worthy piece. However, on a bad day with a tough examiner, you may not achieve the grade you hoped for. 

Geography, believe it or not, is also quite heavily based on essays too. There may be short answer questions worth perhaps a mark or two. But there tend to be multiple 6 and 9 markers which require a lot of detailed knowledge to score high marks.  

Geography is well known for its large number of case studies that students have to know a certain depth of knowledge about, in addition to the general content of the course. These factors put all together makes the subject rather difficult for many students.  

As you can see, there are many subjects that can be classed as “difficult,” you may not find all of the ones mentioned above that hard, but I haven’t talked about them all. If you would like to read more about the difficulty of different GCSE subjects check out this article.

What’s the Difference Between Higher and Foundation Tier GCSE Exams?

There are two types of exams that students can sit for a variety of subjects. They are called higher and foundation level tiers.  

Foundation exams are easier, with the highest grade available being a 5.  This allows students to be able to still pass without taking the more challenging exam. This avoids the great stress of taking the higher-level papers.  Higher exams tend to be more difficult, but you can achieve a wider variety of grades. They include a mixture of questions ranging from a grade 4 up to a grade 9.   

The common misconception is that to achieve a grade 8 or 9, you need to only answer the grade 8 or 9 questions. However, in fact you need to be able to answer all the questions in the paper no matter whether they are grade 4, 7 or 9 to achieve the top grades.   

If you take one subject at a foundation level, e.g., foundation maths, it doesn’t mean that you have to sit every subject at a foundation level.  Your teachers will talk with you about the most appropriate tier for you, in order for you to pass the subject. 

Many subjects have foundation level papers, such as maths, science, and modern foreign languages. However, one subject that does not have foundation papers is English. Instead, the papers include a variety of questions at different difficulties, which allows everyone to access the marks available, and get your desired grade.  

What Does the GCSE Grading System Look Like?

The whole specification has changed in the recent years  so it’s important to look at how the new GCSEs are graded.  The new GCSE are graded on a scale of numbers rather than letters.  This scale ranges from 9-1, with 9 being the best. However, grades 1, 2 and 3 are all considered a fail. 

It’s important to keep in mind that wherever you want to go after secondary school, whether that be sixth form college, or an apprenticeship, you have to have a minimum of a grade 4 (a low pass) in English, Maths and Science.  Some may even require you to have a grade 5 (which is a higher pass) in these subjects. 

Sixth form colleges usually have subject specific grades for entry. For example, if you want to study Maths, you should expect to have at least a grade 7 at the very minimum. Some subjects, like the sciences, may have more than one entry requirement, e.g., grade 7 in Physics and grade 8 in Maths if you want to study physics. If you want to read more about the new grading system, then click  here.  

Who Marks the GCSE Exams?

During the summer, your papers are sent to teachers across the country.  Teachers can sign up to be exam markers (they do get paid for this).  One condition is that they have to be currently teaching that subject and cannot be a teacher at your school.   

For different exams boards, the markers may need to have different qualifications for example, for OCR markers have to have a degree in the exam paper they’re marking. This is because they will be aware of any variations to the marks scheme and may give you a mark, if your answer is right, even if your answer isn’t on the mark scheme. If you want to read more about who marks the GCSE papers click here.  

What Are the Average GCSE Grades Across the UK?

In 2020, across all subjects, there was a total of 96.9% of students that received a grade E or above.  Generally, it can be stated the majority of students passed each subject, with only a minority who didn’t pass per subject.  Statistics from above are taken from the spreadsheet that can be found on  this  website.  

Remember that GCSEs are important to get into sixth form college, apprenticeships, and university.  Universities look at your GCSEs when applying, because you won’t have sat, you’re A-Levels yet. Therefore, GCSEs are the only form of real proof from public exams you’ll have at this point in time.  This makes them vitally important to try securing your place at university. 

Have a look at the grade outcome of different subjects in each county of the UK  here.   Also we have an article going into more detail on the average GCSE grade here.

I hope this article has given you some insight as to whether GCSEs are (actually) hard. Check out the article below to help you with any upcoming exams and good luck! 

• 21 Things You Should Avoid Doing in The Heat of Exam Season

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What are Your GCSE Subject Options?

With over 60 GCSE subjects available, choosing from all GCSE options can be overwhelming. What will be the best pick for you? Can you get into your desired university with these subjects? Is there a subject you don’t even know about? Let’s discuss, what different types of subjects there are and how many should you choose.

How Many GCSE Subjects are There?

There are 5 mandatory GCSE Subjects – English, maths, biology, chemistry and physics.

The number of subjects offered for GCSEs can range widely, with around 60 subjects available for students to choose from. In practice, however, most schools typically offer around 20 subjects .

Speak with your teachers to learn what subjects are offered at your school.

How Many GCSE Exams Will a Student Have?

GCSE subjects usually consist of either 2 or 3 papers. This means that for a single subject, students might have to take up to 3 separate exams. Typically, students are required to complete around 18 to 25 exams in total.

What are The Mandatory Subjects in GCSEs?

The UK government has identified a set of subjects that are considered essential for a student’s overall education and development.

These GCSE subjects, known as the core subjects, include:

• English language
• Science ( Biology , Chemistry, Physics).

Maths and English are considered the foundation for most academic and career paths, as they provide students with the essential skills of numeracy and literacy. In fact, until you turn 19, you are legally required to resit GCSE English and maths to receive a passing grade.

Some schools require students to take one modern language GCSE, and physical education as a subject, but without requiring them to sit the exam.

How Many GCSEs Do You Need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how many GCSE subjects to take. Aside from the 5 mandatory, the choice is yours. Most students go for about 9 subjects in total.

When choosing, consider your interests and career goals. For example, if you’re interested in pursuing Computer Science, consider adding GCSE subjects like Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Further Maths to your selection. The key is to pick subjects that suit your future plans and keep you engaged.

What are Optional GCSE Subjects?

In addition to the mandatory subjects, students have the option to choose from a wide range of subjects to complete their GCSE education. The choice of optional subjects is a great opportunity for students to explore their interests and passions, and to tailor their GCSE options to their individual needs and career goals.

Modern Foreign Languages

Gcse history, gcse english literature, gcse geography, gcse religious studies, gcse economics, gcse geology, gcse psychology, gcse sociology, career opportunities, gcse art and design, gcse media studies, gcse film studies, gcse food technology, gcse computer science, gcse physical education, gcse astronomy, gcse business, gcse electronics, gcse engineering, gcse statistics, new gcse grading system.

GCSE Modern Foreign Languages (MFLs) provide students with the opportunity to develop their linguistic skills and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures. GCSE MFLs courses cover a range of topics including:

• Everyday conversations
• Culture and society
• Grammar and vocabulary

The assessment consists of four papers:

• Listening (30%)
• Reading (30%)
• Writing (20%)
• Speaking (20%)

GCSE MFLs Include:

Career Opportunities After Taking GCSE Modern Foreign Languages

Students who study GCSE Modern Foreign Languages can pursue a wide range of careers, including:

• International business
• Translation and interpretation

GCSE Modern Foreign Languages are ideal for students interested in:

• Learning a new language
• Traveling to different countries
• Experiencing different cultures
• Working in international fields

Humanity Subjects

History is the study of the past, and it provides students with an understanding of how the world has come to be the way it is today. The GCSE History course covers a range of topics, including:

• British history
• European history
• World history

The GCSE History assessment consists of four papers:

• Paper 1: British history (30%)
• Paper 2: European history (30%)
• Paper 3: World history (30%)
• Coursework (20%)

English Literature is the study of written works, and it provides students with an appreciation of literature from different periods and cultures. The GCSE English Literature course covers a range of topics, including:

• Shakespeare
• Literary criticism

The GCSE English Literature assessment consists of three papers:

• Paper 1: Shakespeare and poetry (40%)
• Paper 2: Prose (40%)

Geography is the study of the Earth’s surface and its inhabitants, and it provides students with an understanding of the world’s physical and human landscapes. The GCSE Geography course covers a range of topics, including:

• Physical geography
• Human geography
• Environmental geography

The GCSE Geography assessment consists of four papers:

• Paper 1: Physical geography (30%)
• Paper 2: Human geography (30%)
• Paper 3: Environmental geography (30%)
• Fieldwork (20%)

Religious Studies is the study of religion and belief, and it provides students with an understanding of the world’s major religions. The GCSE Religious Studies course covers a range of topics, including:

• Christianity

The GCSE Religious Studies assessment consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: Christianity (50%)
• Paper 2: Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism (50%)

Economics is the study of how people make choices about the use of scarce resources, and it provides students with an understanding of the economic system and accountancy . The GCSE Economics course covers a range of topics, including:

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• International economics

The GCSE Economics assessment consists of three papers:

• Paper 1: Microeconomics (33.3%)
• Paper 2: Macroeconomics (33.3%)
• Paper 3: International economics (33.3%)

Geology is the study of the Earth’s structure and the processes that have shaped it, and it provides students with an understanding of the Earth’s history. The GCSE Geology course covers a range of topics, including:

• Rocks and minerals
• Plate tectonics
• Geological hazards

The GCSE Geology assessment consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: Foundations of geology (50%)
• Paper 2: The changing Earth (50%)

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour, and it provides students with an understanding of how people think, feel, and act. The GCSE Psychology course covers a range of topics, including:

• Cognitive psychology
• Social psychology
• Developmental psychology

The GCSE Psychology assessment consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: Introductory psychology (50%)
• Paper 2: Psychology in action (50%)

Sociology is the study of society and human behaviour, and it provides students with an understanding of the social forces that shape our lives. The GCSE Sociology course covers a range of topics, including:

• Social class
• Race and ethnicity
• Crime and deviance

The GCSE Sociology assessment consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: Introduction to sociology (50%)
• Paper 2: Sociology in action (50%)

Students who study GCSE Humanities subjects can pursue a wide range of careers, including:

• Social work
• Non-profit organisations

Arts Subjects

Music is the study of sound, and it provides students with an understanding of the elements of music, music theory, and music history. The GCSE Music course covers a range of topics, including:

• Music theory
• Music history
• Performance
• Composition

The GCSE Music assessment consists of three papers:

• Paper 1: Listening (30%)
• Paper 2: Performing (40%)
• Paper 3: Composing and music appreciation (30%)

Drama is the study of performance, and it provides students with an understanding of acting, directing, and playwriting. The GCSE Drama course covers a range of topics, including:

• Playwriting
• Theatre history

The GCSE Drama assessment consists of three papers:

• Paper 1: Devising and performing (40%)
• Paper 2: Performance to text (30%)
• Paper 3: Theatre in practice (30%)

Dance is the study of movement, and it provides students with an understanding of the elements of dance, dance history, and choreography. The GCSE Dance course covers a range of topics, including:

• Dance technique
• Dance history
• Choreography

The GCSE Dance assessment consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: Practical dance (50%)
• Paper 2: Dance appreciation (50%)

Art and Design is the study of visual art, and it provides students with an understanding of the elements of art, art history, and art techniques. The GCSE Art and Design course covers a range of topics, including:

• Printmaking

The GCSE Art and Design assessment consists of three components:

• Coursework (60%)
• Practical exam (20%)
• Personal study (20%)

Media Studies is the study of media, and it provides students with an understanding of how media are produced, consumed, and interpreted. The GCSE Media Studies course covers a range of topics, including:

• Advertising

The GCSE Media Studies assessment consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: Film studies (50%)
• Paper 2: Media studies (50%)

Film Studies is the study of film, and it provides students with an understanding of how films are made, how they tell stories, and how they are interpreted. The GCSE Film Studies course covers a range of topics, including:

• Film history
• Film genres
• Film analysis

The GCSE Film Studies assessment consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: Film study (50%)
• Paper 2: Filmmaking (50%)

Students who study GCSE Arts subjects can pursue a wide range of careers, including:

• Music teacher
• Drama teacher
• Dance teacher
• Art and Design teacher
• Media Studies teacher
• Film Studies teacher
• Photographer
• TV producer
• Radio producer

Technical Subjects

Design and Technology is the study of how to design and make products, and it provides students with an understanding of the principles of design, engineering, and technology. The GCSE Design and Technology course covers a range of topics, including:

• Product design
• Engineering design
• Manufacturing processes

The GCSE Design and Technology assessment consists of two components:

• Practical exam (40%)

Food Technology is the study of food and nutrition, and it provides students with an understanding of the science of food, food preparation, and food safety. The GCSE Food Technology course covers a range of topics, including:

• Food science
• Food preparation
• Food safety

The GCSE Food Technology assessment consists of two components:

Computer Science is the study of computers and how they work, and it provides students with an understanding of the principles of programming, computer systems, and algorithms. The GCSE Computer Science course covers a range of topics, including:

• Programming
• Computer systems
• C++ computer language

The GCSE Computer Science assessment consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: Computer systems (40%)
• Paper 2: Programming (60%)

Physical Education is the study of physical activity and healthy living, and it provides students with an understanding of the importance of exercise, nutrition, and fitness. The GCSE Physical Education course covers a range of topics, including:

• Exercise physiology

The GCSE Physical Education assessment consists of two components:

Astronomy is the study of the universe and its contents, and it provides students with an understanding of the stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial objects. The GCSE Astronomy course covers a range of topics, including:

• The solar system
• Stars and galaxies

The GCSE Astronomy assessment consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: Foundations of astronomy (50%)
• Paper 2: The changing universe (50%)

Business is the study of how businesses operate, and it provides students with an understanding of the principles of marketing, finance, and management. The GCSE Business course covers a range of topics, including:

The GCSE Business assessment consists of three papers:

• Paper 1: Business fundamentals (33.3%)
• Paper 2: Business operations (33.3%)
• Paper 3: Business decision-making (33.3%)

Electronics is the study of electronic circuits and devices, and it provides students with an understanding of the principles of electricity, electronics, and microelectronics. The GCSE Electronics course covers a range of topics, including:

• Electricity
• Electronics
• Microelectronics

The GCSE Electronics assessment consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: Electronic principles (50%)
• Paper 2: Electronic systems (50%)

Engineering is the study of how to design and build machines and structures, and it provides students with an understanding of the principles of engineering mechanics, materials science, and engineering design. The GCSE Engineering course covers a range of topics, including:

• Engineering mechanics
• Materials science

The GCSE Engineering assessment consists of two components:

Statistics is the study of data collection, analysis, and interpretation, and it provides students with an understanding of how to use data to make informed decisions. The GCSE Statistics course covers a range of topics, including:

• Data collection
• Data analysis
• Data interpretation

The GCSE Statistics assessment consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: Statistical methods (50%)
• Paper 2: Statistical applications (50%)

Students who study GCSE Technical subjects can pursue a wide range of careers, including:

• Engineering
• Computer science

How to Choose Your GCSE options?

When it comes to choosing your GCSE options, there’s no right or wrong answer. On average, students choose 9 GCSE subjects, but you can choose more or fewer depending on your interests and abilities. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s recommended not to choose more than 16 GCSE subjects.

The key to selecting your GCSE options is to choose wisely. It’s better to have good grades in respected subjects, even if it means only taking a few subjects than to have easy 9s in many subjects that may not hold as much weight in the future. Take time to think about your strengths, interests, and future goals, and consider how each subject you choose will support you in achieving those goals. Remember that your GCSE options will form the foundation for your further education and career, so choose carefully.

To help you decide, you can read this guide to choosing GCSE subjects .

The implementation of the new 9-1 grading system has introduced an additional level of complexity, leaving many students and parents feeling uncertain about what grades to expect and what they mean. Starting in 2017, the GCSE grading system in England underwent a transition from the conventional A*-G scale to a numeric 9-1 format.

This modification was introduced to align English educational standards with those of other top-performing nations and to mirror the updated, more rigorous course content and linear evaluation approach. For more detailet overview of the new GCSE grading system check our blog “ GCSE Grades and Grade Boundaries Explained “

In conclusion, GCSE education provides students with a broad and balanced education, and the opportunity to pursue their interests and career goals. With over 70 subjects available, choosing the right combination of subjects can be overwhelming. However, by understanding the mandatory subjects, the optional subjects available and the different types of GCSE subjects, students can make informed decisions that will set the foundation for their future education and career success.

Each GCSE subject category offers a unique range of subjects, each with its own set of knowledge and skills. It’s the best option if you can choose at least one subject from each. Hence, this can give you broader career choices.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you how many subjects you choose. Make sure you have enough time for all the subjects and you don’t overwork yourself. You should not forget to enjoy your teenage years!

If you learnt something new, don’t hesitate to share this article with your fellow GCSE students. You never know how much you can help.

If you have trouble with choosing subjects or struggle with a particular subject, you can go for Edumentors. All Edumentors tutors have recently passed their GCSEs with flying colours and now study at top UK universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and etc. Therefore, they have exam techniques, tips and tricks to help you ace your GCSEs too!

What are the GCSE options?

Typically, students are required to study approximately nine subjects at GCSE level. The fundamental subjects that everyone must undertake in England and Wales include Maths, English, and Science. English Language is a mandatory subject in all schools, and English Literature is compulsory in most schools in England, though there are some exceptions, so it’s important to verify. In Wales, studying Welsh is obligatory.

Science subjects might be offered as three distinct subjects (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) or combined into two Science GCSEs.

It’s also worth noting that certain schools might mandate additional subjects, so it’s advisable to consult your teachers to understand the specific requirements of your school.

How many options do you get at GCSE?

Every student will undertake GCSE courses in English Language, English Literature, Maths, Combined Science, Core Physical Education. In addition, students have the option to select four subjects for their GCSE options, along with one additional subject as a backup.

What subjects are needed in GCSE?

In England and Wales, Mathematics, English, and Science constitute the fundamental subjects that all students are required to study at the GCSE level. It is mandatory for all schools to teach English Language, and most schools also include English Literature in their curriculum, though there are some exceptions. Therefore, it’s recommended to confirm this information with the college.

Is 7 GCSE subjects enough?

Admission criteria for school and college sixth forms differ, spanning from four to five GCSE subjects at grades 5-4, including grades 6-5 in the subjects you wish to pursue, to a minimum of six GCSE subjects at grade 7 or higher for the more selective colleges.

Is 7 GCSEs enough for Oxford?

Typically, a successful applicant to Oxford University is expected to have at least 8 or 9 GCSEs. Yet, securing GCSEs is merely the initial step, as you must also achieve the A-Level grades that are required by Oxford University for the specific course you wish to enrol in.

What are the 2 types of GCSE?

The two tiers are akin to the foundation and higher tiers in the GCSE system, with Level 1 qualifications including GCSE grades G through D or 1 to 3, and Level 2 qualifications comprising grades C to A* or 4 to 9. GCSEs are assigned grades that span two levels of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF): Level 1 and Level 2.

How Many GCSEs Can You Take?

Students in the UK typically take 8 to 10 GCSEs , but the number can vary depending on individual choices and school options. While the core subjects— English, Maths, and Science —are mandatory, students can choose additional GCSEs from a range of subjects such as History, Geography, Art, and Modern Languages . Some students may opt for more GCSEs if they have specific academic goals, while others might focus on fewer subjects to maximise their performance.

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How to Revise for GCSEs: Our Guide to Exam Success in 2024

GCSE Revision Guide: How to Revise

In this blog post, one of our Oxbridge-educated private tutors provides valuable advice on effective GCSE revision organisation and discovering the most suitable GCSE revision methods for optimal learning. Since everyone approaches their GCSE revision in a different way, identifying the method that aligns with your learning style is the initial stride towards securing exceptional grades in your GCSE exams . This blog will dissect proven GCSE revision techniques into distinct stages to assist you in crafting a well-structured GCSE revision timetable.

Step One: GCSE Revision Organisation

Have a solid filing system.

Before exploring GCSE revision techniques and tips for how to prepare for your GCSE exams, the very first step is to get organised . All the materials you've gathered, from class worksheets and GCSE homework to textbooks and GCSE revision guides will only be useful tools in your GCSE revision process if you have a solid filing system . Consider investing in a ring-binder, where you can clearly organise your sheets into designated file-dividers for each topic. Printing electronic sheets and putting them into the file means that your essential documents will be in one accessible location, giving you swift access to your notes for any given topic and streamlining your GCSE revision .

For those who integrate technology into their GCSE revision routine, whether that be because your school or GCSE private tutor provides you with online GCSE worksheets, or because you prefer to type your notes, now is the time to get organised digitally. Create digital folders and sub-folders to categorise all your e-documents , making sure that they have clear and concise names for easy reference as part of your GCSE revision timetable. Considering the sheer amount of GCSE subjects you are expected to study at once, your future self will appreciate the time you took to get organised early on!

Other Suggested Digital Resources:

Creating a Google Document for each subject could also be a useful way of organising your revision.

Microsoft’s OneNote also has a great categorisation system for compiling revision notes.

Create an Effective Revision Timetable

GCSE revision organisation also involves getting on top of your workload early on , a.k.a good time management . For this, I recommend time blocking . This technique involves allocating different times of day to GCSE revision tasks that; by segmenting your time, and sticking to your schedule, you have a greater chance of excelling in those all-important GCSE exams.

Make a realistic GCSE revision timetable . An unrealistic GCSE schedule will only overwhelm you and throw you off track. I suggest spending around 4 hours per day doing GCSE revision at the start of the academic year, and going towards 6 hours of GCSE revision daily as exam season approaches (depending on how much ‘cramming’ you require which hopefully, with the help of our U2 Tuition GCSE revision guide, you won’t need to do!).

Another important part of GCSE revision timetabling is scheduling breaks . Successful GCSE students understand the importance of rest and mental recovery, so be sure to include designated break times in your calendar too. Try using the Pomodoro technique to strike a healthy balance between study and rest.

Finally, use this as an early opportunity to reflect on what you do and don’t understand (content-wise). This may mean taking note of topics you find difficult to understand or questions you found challenging to answer during your class or as part of your GCSE homework. Be proactive and seek clarification from your teachers. With how broad the GCSE curriculum is, you’ll find that most topics are connected, so clearing up confusion early on will ensure that you can grow a solid foundational knowledge , making it easier to understand the more complicated topics as they arise.

For more advice on GCSE exam preparation and time management, see our dedicated blog post here .

Step Two: Condense your GCSE Notes

Good GCSE students understand the importance of making thorough notes throughout the year . At the start of the academic year, when you aren’t too sure which information is and isn’t useful for the final exam, you’ll find yourself making long GCSE notes . Over time, you ought to refine your notes , shortening them to only highlight the key information for each topic . This will make your GCSE revision more manageable and the content of each curriculum easier to memorise.

Here are some great options for shortening your GCSE revision notes into more memorisable formats:

GCSE Revision Flashcards:

These are a popular choice, and for good reason. But whatever you do,  don’t write everything down onto your flashcards . This may feel productive but is really just a waste of your time. Instead, try to write information down in question form on one side of the flashcard, with the answer on the other side. For example, use questions or prompts such as ‘What are the characteristics and standard form of a quadratic equation?’ on the front of the flashcard, writing the answer and a relevant example down on the back. This type of active GCSE revision is a lot more effective than writing everything you know about a topic onto a flashcard. GCSE revision flashcards are only supposed to jog your memory , not act as a transcript for everything your teacher has said in class!

Creating digital flashcards is ideal for learning on the go. There are many apps and websites that allow you to create e-flashcards; I recommend Quizlet , Anki and Brainscape . This allows you to use your time efficiently for GCSE revision.

Audio Recordings:

If you want to try new learning methods and make a more interesting GCSE revision timetable, consider recording yourself explaining topics alongside other GCSE revision methods. You can use any voice recording tools or apps to practice explaining key ideas outloud. I recommend going from memory from your very first recording (i.e: not reading from your notes). This will allow you to figure out how good your understanding and retention of information is, highlighting any gaps that you can prioritise fixing as part of your GCSE revision timetable.

Mind Mapping:

This GCSE revision technique is good for subjects that require you to memorise pieces of related information. Mind-maps allow you to see the connection between different ideas , giving you a greater understanding of the topic’s bigger picture. For example, if you’re revising post-WWII rebuilding, you may write down everything you know about the Marshall Plan, formation of NATO and Nuremberg Trials, using the spaces between the sections to explain the relationship between them. To aid your memorisation, try making large mind-maps on A3 paper and putting up in your room; this will allow you to absorb the material better as you will be jogging your memory every so often.  For those of you who are more creative, try using different colour pens and illustrations to make your mind-maps more memorable!

Storyboards:

When trying to understand a step-by-step process or the development of a character or story, whether that be photosynthesis or the development and tragic end of Romeo and Juliet’s relationship, storyboards are a very useful tool. Each scene in a storyboard serves as a cue to remember essential components and steps involved in. Visualisation through a GCSE storyboard can enhance memory retention and make the GCSE revision process more engaging . Your storyboard should include pictures, ideally hand-drawn as these will be more memorable, alongside short and snappy captions that explain the images.

Step Three: Memorise your Notes

Making GCSE revision notes without actually attempting to use them for their intended purpose (i.e: memorisation and conversion into GCSE essay and exam practice) is a classic mistake. Don’t skip this crucial step in our GCSE revision guide, as long notes and a stack of flashcards are only useful for your closed book exams if you make the effort to memorise the content! This step will allow you to keep track of your ability to retain important information , so you know which topics require some extra effort to understand and memorise. Here are some methods for memorising GCSE content easily and efficiently:

Look, Cover, Write, Check:

Find some spare paper, put your notes away and allow five minutes to write down everything you can remember about a particular topic .  Next, check what you’ve written is correct by looking back at your GCSE revision notes and write down everything you missed. This can be done either in a different colour or on a separate sheet of paper. Then, using a new piece of scrap paper, jot down all of the things you missed the first time (from memory!). Check this against your notes. Repeat until you can write down all the information without reference to your notes. This is proof that you’ve been able to successfully commit your GCSE revision materials to memory .

Test a Friend or Family Member:

Group revision is a fun way of checking and strengthening your understanding of a topic. This can be done either in-person or online such as via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Ask each other to explain a topic out-loud in as much detail as possible.  If you can explain a topic out-loud, you can be confident that you’ve understood it .  If you can’t find a revision partner, you can still use the method of revising: cover up your notes and recite everything you can remember.

The most important aspect of testing yourself is spaced repetition . Try to go over all topics at least twice a week to consolidate your learning, spending roughly half an hour at the start of each day going over what you covered the day before. By reviewing GCSE revision material at systematic intervals, you have a much higher chance of retaining information for longer periods of time . This explains why cramming isn’t advisable!

Step Four: GCSE Past Paper Practice

Once you’re confident that you have memorised your GCSE revision notes, get comfortable with answering exam questions . This is best done by repeated practice of past papers , which you can find on your GCSE exam board website (e.g: AQA, OCR). GCSE past paper practice is one of the best ways to build confidence and learn what mistakes you tend to make in pressurised exam conditions, whether those mistakes relate to poor time management skills or gaps in your knowledge. You can then go back to the drawing board, making amends to your GCSE revision timetable to ensure that you are addressing these weaknesses in exam skills.

Sometimes examiners can phrase questions in a peculiar way; incorporating past paper practice into your GCSE revision timetable will allow you to become familiar with the unique wording of exam questions . When you become more confident, practice answering in timed conditions to replicate the feel of the real GCSE exams, improving your overall GCSE exam technique. This also allows you to decide how to segment your time for essay subjects . With repeated past paper practice, you’ll know just how long you ought to spend planning, writing and checking your essay, and which topics you find the hardest to write about.

Get feedback on your GCSE past paper attempts . At first, be sure to compare your practice exam answers to the mark scheme. This is slightly trickier for essay-based subjects such as GCSE English Literature where the answers are less straightforward and more subjective. Try to ask your school teacher or an experienced private tutor for an educated estimate of what grade your essay is likely to achieve.

Another top tip is to go over the GCSE exam specification for your subject ; you can then structure your GCSE revision according to what topics are likely to come up in the exam. This is especially useful for STEM subjects, as the specification will highlight which equations, formulas and definitions you need to memorise versus those which will be provided to you in the exam.

Finally, examiner reports are a great tool to help you structure your GCSE revision . Each year, examiners reflect on the average strengths and weaknesses of the pool of candidates sitting a GCSE exam. This will show you what topics are generally found to be harder, which is highly valuable information when crafting an efficient GCSE revision timetable.

Step Five: Acing The Exam

Once you’ve memorised your GCSE notes and made clear progress with past paper practice, you’re ready to sit those exams! Try to make some positive lifestyle choices to maximise your exam performance, such as eating and sleeping well in the weeks leading up to the exam. If you’ve followed our GCSE revision guide, there’s no reason to be overwhelmed -  achieving success and top grades in GCSE exams is a skill which requires continuous refinement and development, so by reading our GCSE revision guide and following the key steps, you’re already much closer to your goal than you think. Best of luck from all of us at U2 Tuition!

Final Top Tips for GCSE Revision

Writing and marking practice essays: It’s self-explanatory, but writing practice essays is the most effective way to prepare for essay-based exams. Consider dedicating the last 2-3 months of your GCSE revision timetable to choosing different topics from your syllabus and writing essays under exam conditions. To make this exercise even more helpful, acquire feedback for your essays. Feedback can come from either your school teacher or experienced GCSE private tutor . Our team of Oxbridge-educated GCSE tutors are well-versed in providing accurate and detailed essay feedback, offline and online, and boast great reviews for doing so. For more information on how we can help you elevate your GCSE exam performance , book a complimentary consultation below!

Watch educational videos: Watching educational GCSE videos is an excellent way to reinforce your understanding of a topic. Platforms like YouTube offer a wide range of educational content that can be accessed for free. You can watch videos on specific topics or follow a playlist to revise a broader range of subjects.

Go beyond the curriculum: By exploring extra-curricular activities, you’ll not only enhance your understanding of key topics but also find added enjoyment in your GCSE revision. Reading scientific journals, participating in Olympiads and undertaking projects are just some examples of GCSE science extra-curricular activities to consider. For humanities students, consider participating in essay competitions or reading critical essays on set texts to go the extra mile that could be needed to achieve the top grades.

Organise study groups: Organising study groups with classmates or friends is an engaging way to ensure that you understand a topic. You can take turns presenting and discussing key points. This can help you gain new perspectives on a subject and clarify any confusion.

Use additional revision resources: There are many GCSE revision apps available that you can incorporate into your GCSE revision timetables, allowing you to set goals and track progress. Apps like Forest, Quizlet and GoConqr can help you stay organised and motivated. Websites such as Seneca, Khan Academy and BBC Bitesize will aid in your understanding of the GCSE syllabus.

Take regular breaks: This is essential to maintain focus. Use your breaks to go on a walk, get some fresh air, listen to music or just relax. This will allow you to resume your GCSE revision with renewed energy and focus.

To conclude, GCSE revision activities can be both fun and effective if you employ a variety of methods! Whether you prefer flashcards, online quizzes or educational videos, there are a number of ways to make revision more engaging and enjoyable. By including these activities in your GCSE revision schedule, you can enhance your learning experience and get one step closer to achieving your academic goals.

Looking for a Top GCSE Revision Tutor?

We have a fantastic team of specialist GCSE tutors, most of whom hold an Oxbridge degree and have accumulated years worth of GCSE tuition experience. Our GCSE private tutors are well-placed to ensure students are on track to achieve their desired grades, whether that may be through supporting students with their GCSE assignments, providing students with an effective GCSE revision timetable based on an assessment of their strengths and weaknesses or other modes of GCSE preparation for examinations and / or coursework. See below for more details.

The GCSE Tuition Process

1) we suggest an oxbridge graduate with a specialism in your chosen gcse subject(s) as a mentor, sending their full cv for review ..

We will select a GCSE private tutor with most experience of the examination board the student is following. We may suggest a range of tutors to choose from with slightly differing rates depending on qualifications and level of experience.

2) We recommend beginning with a 1-1.5hr diagnostic session / first GCSE session

The GCSE tutor will get to know the student and assess their current performance level and identify strengths and weaknesses. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, make sure you are happy with the tutor, and structure a plan for future sessions.

3) Scheduling regular GCSE revision sessions:

Following the first session, the tutor(s) will curate a plan for further sessions, working out a good split between papers / texts / topics to cover. They will also ensure the student has the tools they need with regards to exam technique / understanding how to tick the boxes of mark schemes. All of our GCSE tutors are Oxbridge-educated and highly passionate about their subjects, so should hopefully mentor and inspire the student too! We send reports after every session detailing feedback and students / parents & guardians liaise directly with the tutor to arrange sessions around their schedule.

Sessions from £75/h + VAT.

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Welcome to the SnapRevise blog

We post awesome tips and tricks for your a-levels & gcses every week, the easiest subjects at gcse.

Whether you admit it or not, as a student you’re always looking for a quick way to get a high grade so that you can maximise those As and A*s on results day. Whilst there will always be some variations between different people, there are some GCSE subjects which have slight advantages over others in terms of ease.

1. Maths can be easy

Contrary to many beliefs, the new GCSE Maths is actually one of the easier subjects to do well in. Due to the increased difficulty, the marks required to receive a C were lower than 20% for some exam boards, therefore you can afford to drop a lot of marks if you still want a good grade. Unlike some essay-based subjects, Maths also comes with the advantage that your answers are either right or wrong and there is little wriggle room, so it’s unlikely your marks would be affected by a moody examiner.

2. Language mainly requires dedication

Languages are also easier than most people expect, especially as they are very reliant on memory. Providing you can dedicate the time to learn the vocabulary and grammar, there is very little that they could throw at you in the exam to put you off. If you’re aiming for lower grades (i.e. a 4 or a 5), by including a certain number of opinions or tenses you can pretty much guarantee yourself the grades. For higher grades, it’s true that a certain degree of fluidity is required, however this isn’t difficult if you are willing to put in the work and practice throughout your course.

3. Essay subjects are more flexible

Essay-based subjects like History or English Literature/Language are easier than most people expect, primarily due to the flexibility in marking. It should definitely be noted that sticking to what’s suggested by the mark schemes won’t necessarily harm you, however having individual or unique ideas may actually improve your score. This means that you don’t necessarily need to worry about what the exam board are expecting you to write, unlike Maths where your answer is either right or wrong. This also introduces an aspect of subjectivity, consequently you are likely to see a change in your marks if you resubmit your exam papers.

Like I said before, there is always a degree of variation between people due to our individual strengths and differences. Similarly, it’s impossible for us to cover the ins and outs of every GCSE course in one short article so you may think certain subjects deserve to be on this list, even though we didn’t include them. Regardless, providing you revise well you should be able to succeed in any subject that you undertake!

We're committed to getting you great grades in your courses through our useful tips and amazing videos.

"SnapRevise has made a huge impact on my grades helping me go from an E to an A. This is because the videos include everything you need to know, are students themselves are brilliant, clear and enjoyable to learn from."

Jodie o’connor, join 80,000 students improving their grades with snaprevise, super concise & exam board specific a-level & gcse videos by a* students.

Higher literacy requirement

Some undergraduate courses require specific GCSE grades in particular subjects. We refer to these requirements as ‘profiles’.

Higher literacy profile requirement

To meet this profile, you need at least a 6 in GCSE English .

If you do not have this grade, you need to meet at least one of the below requirements. We consider these UK qualifications to be equivalent to the specified GCSE grade.

We will also consider non-UK qualifications at an equivalent level. If your qualification is not listed above, you should include your full educational history with your application.