new GCSE and IGCSE grading systems

As you all know already, the new GCSEs will be graded with numbers 9-1.

IGCSEs do not change, being A*-G.

So, it means that students taking IGCSE would be at an advantage having A*. But if you have 9 or 8 it makes a difference. That A* in IGCSE could be top or bottom but doesn't matter, while 9 and 8 is not the same.

Being many schools in England that offer IGCSE, it means that is unfair for those taking GCSEs.

What do you think?

Reply 1

Gerry-Atricks

pretty sure you wont be disadvantaged for having an 8 instead of a 9 and no uni will probably ever want 9s at gcse

Reply 2

the_queen

Original post by glad-he-ate-her

pretty sure you wont be disadvantaged for having an 8 instead of a 9 and no uni will probably ever want 9s at gcse

if universities will have to choose between an A* IGCSE and an 8 GCSE, what they would decide?

Reply 3

_gcx

Study Forum Helper

I'm pretty sure many unis have stated that they recognise the grades 9 and 8 as equivalents to the old A*.

Reply 4

Gerry-Atricks

Original post by the_queen

if universities will have to choose between an A* IGCSE and an 8 GCSE, what they would decide?

Most universities want Bs in maths and english minimum regardless of course so unless youre applying for a tough course at a gcse heavy uni, they probably wont see the difference

Reply 5

Ali.L

In my school, I've found the change has helped motivate students to study more. However, it is a case of employers, colleges and universities being aware of how the new grading system is equivalent to the old system especially how an A* does not equal a 9.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 6

the_queen

Original post by glad-he-ate-her

Most universities want Bs in maths and english minimum regardless of course so unless youre applying for a tough course at a gcse heavy uni, they probably wont see the difference

Let's say Oxbridge, or Cardiff, Birmingham for Medicine?

Reply 7

the_queen

if you had the chance, what would you choose, IGCSE or GCSE?

Reply 8

Gerry-Atricks

Original post by the_queen

Let's say Oxbridge, or Cardiff, Birmingham for Medicine?

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses-listing/medicine?wssl=1
oxford has no formal gcse requirements but people will normally have 7+A*s
cambridge:

Students wanting to study Medicine must have achieved:

•

grade C or above in GCSE (or equivalent) Double Award Science and Mathematics

•

two single awards in GCSE Biology and Physics may be substituted for Double Award Science

•

again cambridge applicants will have 7A*s

source:http://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/medicine
cardiff:http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/admissions-criteria/medicine

Reply 9

the_queen

Original post by glad-he-ate-her

•

grade C or above in GCSE (or equivalent) Double Award Science and Mathematics

•

two single awards in GCSE Biology and Physics may be substituted for Double Award Science

•

again cambridge applicants will have 7A*s

source:http://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/medicine
cardiff:http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/admissions-criteria/medicine

thank you for your effort!

Reading these requirements, you will see they are minimum. In fact, students apply with at least 10 subjects, and Oxford is reknown being GCSE heavy. So, what would they prefer after this reform, A* IGCSE or 8 GCSE? This is the question!

Reply 10

Gerry-Atricks

Original post by the_queen

yes i take your point but mine is the variation in " weight" of the qualification is so slight that you can take them to be the same. For medicine i dont think gcse grades are ever the final deciding factor but they are used in conjunction with bmat/ukcat and A level grades are the most important. work experience and interview performance are also used