Commonly offered GCSE subjects

There are some subjects that everyone takes and others are optional.

Please check what is offered at your teenager's school, as the choices and the levels at which they are offered are not the same at every school.

For a list of the areas of the curriculum that are compulsory, see The range of subjects.

The level of coursework for each subject may vary between different examining boards. The figures given are a guide only.

For more information on what is involved, visit the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) website at www.qca.org.uk.

There will be no coursework in GCSEs started in 2009 in business studies, geography, history, modern foreign languages, religious studies and some other subjects not listed above.

For more information on courses and levels, see The National Qualifications Framework.

Don't forget that the new 14-19 Diplomas may be available in your teenager's school.

Compulsory subjects (offered by all schools)

English

Between 20% and 40% coursework, the rest is examination.

Mathematics

100% examination.

Science

Between 20% and 40% coursework, the rest is examination. Applied science is two-thirds coursework and one-third examination.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

All students have to study ICT, but it is not a compulsory examination subject. For those who do choose this as an option, typically 60% is coursework and the rest is examination. Applied ICT is two-thirds coursework and one-third examination.

Optional subjects

Art and design

60% coursework and 40% examination. Applied art and design is two-thirds coursework and one-third examination.

Business studies

Up to 25% coursework and the rest is examination. Some courses are 100% examination. Applied business studies is two-thirds coursework and one-third examination.

Citizenship studies

40% coursework and 60% examination.

Design and technology

60% coursework and 40% examination.

Drama

A mixture of 60% coursework and 40% examination, which may include performance.

Engineering

Two-thirds coursework and one-third examination.

Geography

Examination, but 20–25% of the result is based on a geographical investigation involving fieldwork.

Health and social care

Two-thirds coursework and one-third examination.

History

25% coursework and 75% examination. Some courses are 100% examination.

Leisure and tourism

Two-thirds coursework and one-third examination.

Manufacturing

Two-thirds coursework and one-third examination.

Media studies

50% coursework and 50% examination.

Modern foreign languages

The coursework can count for up to 25% and there are tests in listening, reading and speaking. Some examination boards do a written test instead of coursework.

Music

Tests in composing and performing make up 50–60%, plus written examination.

Physical education

60% coursework and 40% examination. Coursework includes assessment of sports performance in two chosen activities.

Religious studies

Usually 20% coursework and the rest is examination. Some courses are 100% examination.