Curriculum GCSE Coursework
Coursework is an important part of the assessment GCSE work in many subjects as the marks contribute to the final GCSE grades awarded. I have enclosed information about coursework to make you aware of its importance and advice on how you can help support your daughter in this work. Table 1 on the attached sheet specifies the type of task, where it is carried out and the percentage of the total mark which coursework contributes in each subject. Table 2 shows approximately the times of year when coursework is carried out in each subject. I would ask you to discuss these tables with your daughter and mark in table 1 the subjects which are applicable to her.
Coursework at home
You can see that certain times of year are especially busy with coursework, depending on the subjects which a girl is taking. When she is given a coursework task, it is most important that she sticks to the deadline set by her teacher. It is the pupil’s own responsibility to hand in the work on time.
Pressure of work is a real issue for pupils at the GCSE stage as they endeavour to cope successfully with all aspects of their school work. If deadlines are missed, this pressure increases considerably as coursework tasks eat into other important activities such as revising for tests and examinations.
Support
How can you best support your daughters with her coursework?
By being aware of the tasks to be done and the times when they should be done.By providing a quiet place to work.
By encouraging your daughter to keep to deadlines.
By discussing the issue sympathetically but firmly with her if you are concerned.
If you are seriously concerned, by telephoning her subject teacher.
Coursework in school
In Mathematics and in Science, coursework investigations are done entirely in class at various times. Pupils will be advised of these occasions well in advance and it is absolutely essential that they are present in class unless they are genuinely ill. Failure to complete these assignments will severely restrict the eventual GCSE grade.
Authentication of coursework
Each coursework piece must be the pupil’s own original work. This is an obvious and strict rule. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has published a guide for parents explaining this issue and a copy is enclosed for your information. [The QCA is the UK body which has overall responsibility for all the examination boards.] The issue has already been explained to the pupils by their form tutors.
