What are they?

Applied GCSEs are designed to provide more of a 'hands-on' approach than traditional GCSEs, and encourage you to apply your knowledge and understanding of a subject in a practical way. You may have also heard people refer to them as 'vocational' GCSEs.

Many applied GCSEs are equivalent in size to taking two traditional GCSEs. You can take applied and traditional GCSEs at the same time.

They are at levels 1 and 2 on the National Qualifications Framework.

- Short course GCSEs

Short course GCSEs are designed to give you more options about what and how you study.

They are equivalent to half a full GCSE, so can be taken in half the time (about three terms). However, if you learn more slowly than others, you can spread a short course out over the same length as a traditional GCSE.

Short courses also allow more able students to take extra subjects, like a second foreign language. They can also be a useful option if your timetable at school or college prevents you from taking a full GCSE.

What form do they take?

Applied GCSEs are assessed at the same standard as traditional GCSEs, although the work you produce will have a more practical emphasis. You will carry out your own investigations and produce a portfolio of work.

The qualification is made up of three units of equal value. Normally two thirds of your work is assessed by your teachers, and one third by external examiners.

If you are at school, your lessons for taking an applied GCSE may take place in a local college.

Because many applied GCSEs are double the size of traditional GCSEs, they are graded A*A*-GG and U (unclassified). Grades DD to GG are at level 1 on the National Qualifications Framework, Grades A*A* to CC are at level 2 on the National Qualifications Framework.

They are equivalent to half a full GCSE, so can be taken in half the time (about three terms). However, if you learn more slowly than others, you can spread a short course out over the same length as a traditional GCSE.

- Short course GCSEs

Short course GCSEs are designed to give you more options about what and how you study. They also allow more able students to take extra subjects, like a second foreign language. They can also be a useful option if your timetable at school or college prevents you from taking a full GCSE.

Assessment is similar to full GCSEs, and they lead to the same grades: A* to G and U (unclassified).

Who takes them?

You can also choose to take some GCSEs as 'short courses', equivalent to half a full GCSE, these are a useful way of extending your subject options.

What subjects are available?

- Applied GCSEs

You can choose from eight different applied subjects, designed to give you a broad introduction to that subject:

Other subjects are also being developed, including hospitality and catering, construction and the built environment, applied physical education and applied French.

- Short course GCSEs

Short course GCSEs are available in a range of traditional GCSE subjects.

Where can they lead?

If you want to continue your studies, you might move on to an NVQ in a similar subject, or a level 3 qualification such as a GCE in an applied subject.

Short course GCSEs can lead to similar routes as traditional GCSEs. However, if you want to go on to level 3 qualifications (such as A-levels), some subjects may require that you have a full GCSE in that subject.

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