What's the easiest AQA v. OCR v. EDEXCEL for GCSEs?
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I want to do GCSEs as private candidate for English, Maths and Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
What's the easiest among AQA, OCR and Edexcel?
Can I do the exams in summer 2017? I don't wanna be late to register. What about the units per subject, can I register for like all 3 units for maths ?
Can anyone explain how these GCSEs exams work? I'm Italian, cheers
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What's the easiest among AQA, OCR and Edexcel?
Can I do the exams in summer 2017? I don't wanna be late to register. What about the units per subject, can I register for like all 3 units for maths ?
Can anyone explain how these GCSEs exams work? I'm Italian, cheers
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#2
I feel like you won't do very well if you sit them this year if you haven't been learning the correct topics. Most schools start teaching the Maths and English specifications when kids are 11/12 and the Science's go into detail when the kids are about 13. Also, there is no easier exam board they're all equally difficult and focus on mostly the same topics.
I'm not overly sure what you mean when you register for 3 different units for maths either. Maths is maths and it's all 1 exam the only difference would be foundation and higher.
I'd say that your best bet is to look through the specifications, do a past paper to see what you know and then go from there, although it might be in your best interest to do the exams next year (which have been updated and are now graded through a 9-1 system)
Feel free to ask me anything else
and hopefully someone else will chip in with their opinion too
I'm not overly sure what you mean when you register for 3 different units for maths either. Maths is maths and it's all 1 exam the only difference would be foundation and higher.
I'd say that your best bet is to look through the specifications, do a past paper to see what you know and then go from there, although it might be in your best interest to do the exams next year (which have been updated and are now graded through a 9-1 system)
Feel free to ask me anything else

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(Original post by phoebemallow)
I feel like you won't do very well if you sit them this year if you haven't been learning the correct topics. Most schools start teaching the Maths and English specifications when kids are 11/12 and the Science's go into detail when the kids are about 13. Also, there is no easier exam board they're all equally difficult and focus on mostly the same topics.
I'm not overly sure what you mean when you register for 3 different units for maths either. Maths is maths and it's all 1 exam the only difference would be foundation and higher.
I'd say that your best bet is to look through the specifications, do a past paper to see what you know and then go from there, although it might be in your best interest to do the exams next year (which have been updated and are now graded through a 9-1 system)
Feel free to ask me anything else
and hopefully someone else will chip in with their opinion too
I feel like you won't do very well if you sit them this year if you haven't been learning the correct topics. Most schools start teaching the Maths and English specifications when kids are 11/12 and the Science's go into detail when the kids are about 13. Also, there is no easier exam board they're all equally difficult and focus on mostly the same topics.
I'm not overly sure what you mean when you register for 3 different units for maths either. Maths is maths and it's all 1 exam the only difference would be foundation and higher.
I'd say that your best bet is to look through the specifications, do a past paper to see what you know and then go from there, although it might be in your best interest to do the exams next year (which have been updated and are now graded through a 9-1 system)
Feel free to ask me anything else




Am I gonna do the exam with all the 3 units included automatically without specifying? Honestly the contents are easy for me, I think it will be a piece a cake ✌ just need to revise a lil bit
Btw probably I think I'll go for AQA 🔜
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#4
(Original post by fennec)
Thanks for your reply ☺ what's the difference between higher tier and foundation tier?
in the 2 photos there are 3 units for maths (statistics and number, number and algebra and geometry and algebra ) ![Image]()
![Image]()
Am I gonna do the exam with all the 3 units included automatically without specifying? Honestly the contents are easy for me, I think it will be a piece a cake ✌ just need to revise a lil bit
Btw probably I think I'll go for AQA 🔜
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Thanks for your reply ☺ what's the difference between higher tier and foundation tier?



Am I gonna do the exam with all the 3 units included automatically without specifying? Honestly the contents are easy for me, I think it will be a piece a cake ✌ just need to revise a lil bit
Btw probably I think I'll go for AQA 🔜
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If you have decided on AQA for maths you may be able to take exams in this specification:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathe...-linear-b-4365
IF you are old enough to be resitting GCSE and IF you can find an exam centre offering them.
Otherwise you would have to take exams based on the more difficult, new specification.
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathe...thematics-8300
For other subjects, especially sciences you should consider IGCSE as they don't require the controlled assessments that have to taken in school if you attempt GCSE. You have a choice of Edexcel or CIE.
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#5
I'm currently doing AQA for all of these exams, none will be particually easier. If you're only starting now you proberly shouldn't take them this year. I've been doing science (at GCSE level) for 3 years, English for 2 and maths for 2 and I still haven't finished everything so you wouldn't have enough time to learn it all.
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#7
Personally I do OCR for science and find it easier, I've taken a peak at other exam boards but that might just be because all I've done in my school life is OCR for Science.
I find Edecel Maths annoying it has its easy days and its challenging days, speaking from experience as I do them.
I find Edecel Maths annoying it has its easy days and its challenging days, speaking from experience as I do them.
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(Original post by gdunne42)
You cannot sit those maths exams this summer, they are no longer available.
If you have decided on AQA for maths you may be able to take exams in this specification:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathe...-linear-b-4365
IF you are old enough to be resitting GCSE and IF you can find an exam centre offering them.
Otherwise you would have to take exams based on the more difficult, new specification.
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathe...thematics-8300
For other subjects, especially sciences you should consider IGCSE as they don't require the controlled assessments that have to taken in school if you attempt GCSE. You have a choice of Edexcel or CIE.
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You cannot sit those maths exams this summer, they are no longer available.
If you have decided on AQA for maths you may be able to take exams in this specification:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathe...-linear-b-4365
IF you are old enough to be resitting GCSE and IF you can find an exam centre offering them.
Otherwise you would have to take exams based on the more difficult, new specification.
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathe...thematics-8300
For other subjects, especially sciences you should consider IGCSE as they don't require the controlled assessments that have to taken in school if you attempt GCSE. You have a choice of Edexcel or CIE.
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Am I still in time to apply for GCSE exam in 2017, right?
I found this college that is recognized by AQA. Tomorrow I'll call them http://campbellharris.co.uk/external...ates/exam-fees
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#9
(Original post by fennec)
GCSE Maths (83100) is the version they do from June 2017 that link you sent earlier is the old GCSE. I have never done GCSE. I'm not from the UK
Am I still in time to apply for GCSE exam in 2017, right?
I found this college that is recognized by AQA. Tomorrow I'll call them http://campbellharris.co.uk/external...ates/exam-fees
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Am I still in time to apply for GCSE exam in 2017, right?
I found this college that is recognized by AQA. Tomorrow I'll call them http://campbellharris.co.uk/external...ates/exam-fees
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
You are still in time to register for GCSE exams in the summer.
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#10
(Original post by fennec)
Thanks for your reply ☺ what's the difference between higher tier and foundation tier?
in the 2 photos there are 3 units for maths (statistics and number, number and algebra and geometry and algebra ) ![Image]()
![Image]()
Am I gonna do the exam with all the 3 units included automatically without specifying? Honestly the contents are easy for me, I think it will be a piece a cake ✌ just need to revise a lil bit
Btw probably I think I'll go for AQA 🔜
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Thanks for your reply ☺ what's the difference between higher tier and foundation tier?



Am I gonna do the exam with all the 3 units included automatically without specifying? Honestly the contents are easy for me, I think it will be a piece a cake ✌ just need to revise a lil bit
Btw probably I think I'll go for AQA 🔜
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
In a higher paper you can get any grade but the questions are harder.
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(Original post by phoebemallow)
In a foundation paper the questions are easier but the highest grade you can get is a C (I think it's a 5 or a 6 in the new grading system) However you need to get a higher percentage to pass.
In a higher paper you can get any grade but the questions are harder.
In a foundation paper the questions are easier but the highest grade you can get is a C (I think it's a 5 or a 6 in the new grading system) However you need to get a higher percentage to pass.
In a higher paper you can get any grade but the questions are harder.
And what is meant for controlled assessment exactly? BTW I found several Edexcel centres that offer the controlled assessments. Damn, I'm so confused

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#12
(Original post by fennec)
On AQA they say, for private candidates doing GCSE, it's mandatory finding a centre that provides controlled assessment. On Edexcel it doesn't mention this controlled assessment as necessary for private candidates.
And what is meant for controlled assessment exactly? BTW I found several Edexcel centres that offer the controlled assessments. Damn, I'm so confused
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On AQA they say, for private candidates doing GCSE, it's mandatory finding a centre that provides controlled assessment. On Edexcel it doesn't mention this controlled assessment as necessary for private candidates.
And what is meant for controlled assessment exactly? BTW I found several Edexcel centres that offer the controlled assessments. Damn, I'm so confused

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(Original post by gdunne42)
All GCSE science specifications from all examiners have mandatory controlled assessments. They are practical activities that have to be prepared, conducted and written up under the supervision of a teacher. They can be difficult/expensive for private candidates to arrange. Other subjects also have controlled assessments. Many private candidates prefer to take igcse qualifications which are of similar content/standard to GCSE but don't have any controlled assessment.
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All GCSE science specifications from all examiners have mandatory controlled assessments. They are practical activities that have to be prepared, conducted and written up under the supervision of a teacher. They can be difficult/expensive for private candidates to arrange. Other subjects also have controlled assessments. Many private candidates prefer to take igcse qualifications which are of similar content/standard to GCSE but don't have any controlled assessment.
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#14
(Original post by fennec)
Do controlled assessments have the the same paper tests as the one not controlled? For GCSE Science on Edexcel given I need to get 3 GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics I don't know which one to choose 😐😐😐
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Do controlled assessments have the the same paper tests as the one not controlled? For GCSE Science on Edexcel given I need to get 3 GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics I don't know which one to choose 😐😐😐
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ALL science GCSE include controlled assessments. There isn't an option for "not controlled".
IGCSE (also known as level 2 certificates) are a slightly different qualification that have a different specification and different exams but don't have controlled assessments. I recommend you consider the edexcel IGCSE for your 3 sciences.
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#15
Do iGCSE CIE if you are doing English Language - it was one of the easiest exams I ever took. For 15 marks, which is a very good chunk of the overall marks of the paper, all you have to list 15 points about the passage you have just read. I think it's easier as many candidates who sit this don't speak English as a first language, so on top of that the grade boundaries are usually quite low.

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(Original post by george_c00per)
Do iGCSE CIE if you are doing English Language - it was one of the easiest exams I ever took. For 15 marks, which is a very good chunk of the overall marks of the paper, all you have to list 15 points about the passage you have just read. I think it's easier as many candidates who sit this don't speak English as a first language, so on top of that the grade boundaries are usually quite low.
Do iGCSE CIE if you are doing English Language - it was one of the easiest exams I ever took. For 15 marks, which is a very good chunk of the overall marks of the paper, all you have to list 15 points about the passage you have just read. I think it's easier as many candidates who sit this don't speak English as a first language, so on top of that the grade boundaries are usually quite low.

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(Original post by gdunne42)
I don't understand your question
ALL science GCSE include controlled assessments. There isn't an option for "not controlled".
IGCSE (also known as level 2 certificates) are a slightly different qualification that have a different specification and different exams but don't have controlled assessments. I recommend you consider the edexcel IGCSE for your 3 sciences.
I don't understand your question
ALL science GCSE include controlled assessments. There isn't an option for "not controlled".
IGCSE (also known as level 2 certificates) are a slightly different qualification that have a different specification and different exams but don't have controlled assessments. I recommend you consider the edexcel IGCSE for your 3 sciences.
The controlled assessment is 25% of the whole exam. I think for the new maths there won't be controlled assessment anymore. So the exam for English, maths & science include test on paper and controlled assessment, right?
I was wondering... are there books that concentrate on doing good controlled assessment? I think some practice would just do me good

The point is that I need to get 5 GCSEs. Not just for college but universities I want to apply to
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#18
(Original post by fennec)
Basically I found on the exams boards's websites that the controlled assessment for science is experiment and analysis of it. For English, analysis of a text.
The controlled assessment is 25% of the whole exam. I think for the new maths there won't be controlled assessment anymore. So the exam for English, maths & science include test on paper and controlled assessment, right?
I was wondering... are there books that concentrate on doing good controlled assessment? I think some practice would just do me good
The point is that I need to get 5 GCSEs. Not just for college but universities I want to apply to
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Basically I found on the exams boards's websites that the controlled assessment for science is experiment and analysis of it. For English, analysis of a text.
The controlled assessment is 25% of the whole exam. I think for the new maths there won't be controlled assessment anymore. So the exam for English, maths & science include test on paper and controlled assessment, right?
I was wondering... are there books that concentrate on doing good controlled assessment? I think some practice would just do me good

The point is that I need to get 5 GCSEs. Not just for college but universities I want to apply to
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
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#19
Hi I'm a private candidate studying English at GCSE level. I've been studying with ICS in preparation to sit the edexcel exam in June this year. The only issue I have is that I'm struggling to find an exam centre that is registered to do the IGCSE and the few that are registered are very expensive. My husband is a school teacher and his school have been more then willing to help but they are sitting their students to do the AQA english exam.
I understand b that the exams are similar but I'm not sure if it's risky to sit AQA english when I've been preparing for Edexcel? Please if someone could advise me on this.
I understand b that the exams are similar but I'm not sure if it's risky to sit AQA english when I've been preparing for Edexcel? Please if someone could advise me on this.
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(Original post by Lorraine29)
Hi I'm a private candidate studying English at GCSE level. I've been studying with ICS in preparation to sit the edexcel exam in June this year. The only issue I have is that I'm struggling to find an exam centre that is registered to do the IGCSE and the few that are registered are very expensive. My husband is a school teacher and his school have been more then willing to help but they are sitting their students to do the AQA english exam.
I understand b that the exams are similar but I'm not sure if it's risky to sit AQA english when I've been preparing for Edexcel? Please if someone could advise me on this.
Hi I'm a private candidate studying English at GCSE level. I've been studying with ICS in preparation to sit the edexcel exam in June this year. The only issue I have is that I'm struggling to find an exam centre that is registered to do the IGCSE and the few that are registered are very expensive. My husband is a school teacher and his school have been more then willing to help but they are sitting their students to do the AQA english exam.
I understand b that the exams are similar but I'm not sure if it's risky to sit AQA english when I've been preparing for Edexcel? Please if someone could advise me on this.

Plus I got in touch with Edexcel on twitter. They reply in 1 working day usually. I think their nickname on twitter is Edexcel students
It's much harder to find an AQA or OCR centre for private candidates
I recommend you to study the right exam board. For example now I'm studying on CGP book for Biology IGCSE for the Edexcel exam board
There could be some differences so stick to studying the same exam board you'll sit the exam with
Personally I paid for my 8 IGCSEs in South East London £960 so £120 each
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