Frequently asked questions
What is key stage 4 (KS4)?
Key Stage 4 is the final part of the National Curriculum that covers years 10 and 11. Most final exams are taken in May/June of Year 11. However, important topics are covered throughout Year 10 and Year 11, so it is important that students work consistently throughout the two years. Science and RE begin their GCSE work in year 9.
What is GCSE?
The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is the public examination available in most subjects. Grades 1-3 are Level 1 qualifications, Grades 4-9 are Level 2 qualifications.
What are tiers of entry for exams?
In Science, modern foreign languages and mathematics, there are “tiers” of entry. A foundation tier course/paper gives students the opportunity to achieve grades 1 to 5, a higher tier course/paper gives students the chance to achieve grades from 4 to 9. Your tier of entry will be decided by your teacher based on your attainment/progress from the start of Year 10. Final decisions about tiers of entry are made in January of Year 11 after trial examinations.
What is non-examined assessment? (NEA)
Coursework or controlled assessment is work which you do at a set time in the two years of your course. It will usually be a combination of work done at home (research and development) and at school.
What is a BTEC/Cambridge National?
BTEC and Cambridge Nationals are vocational qualifications that are equivalent at Level 2 to one 4-9 grade GCSE. Courses will include building a portfolio of written work, learning practical skills to industry standard and passing an examination. Those we offer as option choices at King Edward’s take place in School.
