Differene between O Level and GCSE?

I know GCSE replaced the O Level in schools, but quite a few exam boards still do the O Level along side GCSE. What's the main difference? Are GCSE and O Level view as being at the same level? And why is there the need for 2 different names, wouldn't it be better to just merge the two into GCSE?

Reply 1

DJkG.1

17

An exam board still offers GCE O-levels, it's a valid qualification for schools opting not to go with the usual GCSE course, such as independent schools (though many have now moved to IGCSEs).

There is no reason to merge it with the GCSE as it is only chosen today by people dissatisfied with the GCSEs!

Basically, it is a lot more ‘theory based’ and is designed for everybody to fail, except the top cut of intellectual teens, who pass with a C grade, or above to an A grade. Modern GCSEs are designed for everybody to pass with a G or above, and over 50% to pass with a ‘good pass’ at C or above. GCSEs are based on positive marking principles only. O-levels had negative marking too.

Look at this comparison table here too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Certificate_of_Secondary_Education

Reply 2

ClivePounds

9

DJkG.1

An exam board still offers GCE O-levels, it's a valid qualification for schools opting not to go with the usual GCSE course, such as independent schools (though many have now moved to IGCSEs).

There is no reason to merge it with the GCSE as it is only chosen today by people dissatisfied with the GCSEs!

Basically, it is a lot more ‘theory based’ and is designed for everybody to fail, except the top cut of intellectual teens, who pass with a C grade, or above to an A grade. Modern GCSEs are designed for everybody to pass with a G or above, and over 50% to pass with a ‘good pass’ at C or above. GCSEs are based on positive marking principles only. O-levels had negative marking too.

Look at this comparison table here too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Certificate_of_Secondary_Education

Negative marking? That's my idea of hell!

Reply 3