GCSEs
Working towards matching the school leavers’ academic knowledge
and their experience of the world of work to employers’
expectations is an important part of Semta’s work.
Our membership of representative bodies and working parties has
helped us influence the school curriculum, including GCSEs in
Engineering, Manufacturing, Science and Design &
Technology.
Understanding the qualifications
GCSE in Engineering
The GCSE in Engineering was first introduced in September 2002
and designed originally to meet the National Curriculum programme
of study for Design and Technology. Since then it has been modified
so that learners can either study it as a single or double GCSE
award. This flexibility permits learners and schools to take full
advantage of other GCSE options in the timetable. It offers
learners access to 'real-life' aspects of engineering practices and
the opportunity to work with a range of materials to manufacture
useful, well-engineered and designed products.
It provides a sound basis for advanced level study and
progression into vocational training – including apprenticeships
and further or higher education.
It is offered by three awarding organisations
AQA, Edexcel and OCR
GCSE in Manufacturing
The GCSE in Manufacturing was first introduced in September 2002
and designed originally to meet the National Curriculum programme
of study for Design and Technology. Since then it has been modified
so that learners can either study it as a single or double GCSE
award. This flexibility permits learners and schools to take full
advantage of other GCSE options in the timetable. It offers
learners the chance to develop team working skills and an
understanding of the context of 'real-world' manufacturing. Then to
work with a range of materials to manufacture useful, viable and
well designed products.
It provides a sound basis for advanced level study and
progression into vocational training – including apprenticeships
and further or higher education.
It is offered by two awarding organisations
Edexcel and OCR
GCSEs in Science
The current range of available GCSEs in Science for schools and
learners are vast. It is possible to study the single science
subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics which will be worth
three GCSEs, right down to a single GCSE of just Core science
knowledge. Also names like 21st Century Science, Additional
Science, and Applied Science are used by awarding organisations,
making the selection even more difficult. Because of this wide
range it would always be recommended that learners ask the advice
of the school and careers advisers before starting to pick their
GCSE options at age14.