In summer, students from 11 to 13 classes take exams. Usually students took GCSE and A-level (in the latter case - in 12 and 13 class following the results of the annual program). But the examination system is not static. It is improving, changing, providing more opportunities to test the level of academic knowledge. In 1988, two British exams (CSE, OLevel) were replaced by GCSE. Today, as an alternative to the standard exam for admission to high school, children are asked to take the IGCSE. Instead of the national final school curriculum, you can choose the international - IB. Each exam, like a course of study, has its own characteristics.
GCSE
Initially, the final evaluation of the program was formed from the results of the work performed during training, and the exam. In 2013, the current assessment was largely canceled. The only exception was a number of subjects (in particular, science, where students' knowledge can demonstrate laboratory work, experiments, and other practical tasks). Today, the emphasis is on the linear organization of exams. It actually replaced the modular one with a large number of current works, for which assessments were made. That is, GCSE surrenders one final exam. Assessment of student performance has also changed. The alphabetic scale A-G was replaced by a point scale (1 - 9).
IGCSE
For more than 25 years, this exam has been taken by foreign students at schools in Britain. The program differs from the standard curriculum with a multitude of additional elements (the number of subjects to choose from in the international course is greater, especially in foreign languages). IGCSE retains the current assessment of student performance. At the end of the course the appraisal results are summed up. In this case, the results of written, practical work of students, their verbal answers for the entire preparation time are taken into account. The final score is set on the A-G scale. Some teachers believe that the program (taking into account the characteristics of the evaluation of learning outcomes) provides more opportunities for gifted students than GCSE.
A-level
In 2015, the system for assessing students' knowledge of the program will change in a similar way to that for GCSE. Examinations will become linear. Evaluation of knowledge will be based on the results of a two-year course of study. The existing AS-level will change the destination. It will be a separate course of study, not part of the overall national program of high school.
IB
International Baccalaureate is called an alternative to the national A-level program. Unlike the latter, IB includes 6 groups of items, not 3-4. That is, offers students a wider choice of academic disciplines. Several subject areas of the program are studied in-depth. At the same time, students develop their horizons, they get an opportunity to develop aesthetically, intellectually, physically, creatively. They not only comprehend academic disciplines, but learn to explore the nature of knowledge. This allows us to consider the subject areas of interest to students through the prism of others.
A student who has completed a full two-year academic course who completed the following program can obtain an IB diploma:
- successful passing examinations in 6 subjects of the course;
- working for 150 hours or more on the CAS;
- writing two papers on Program of the TOK;
- preparation of the expanded essay;
- Completion of all projects started during training.
The total score for the IB diploma is calculated taking into account the points received by the student in all subject areas. The program provides for the possibility of obtaining additional points for work in certain course directions. The maximum total score for IB is 45 points. Passing for admission to the university - 24 points (on average).
