Coursework comprises an integral and important element in the assessment of nearly all GCSE courses. In most subjects it represents at least 20% of the total marks available and in some subjects the percentage is much higher. The mark obtained for coursework can make an important difference to the final grade obtained. It is important therefore that all year 12 pupils take their coursework very seriously, ensuring that they complete all their coursework to the highest standard possible in order to maximise the marks for this element of the GCSE course.
Teachers will provide close guidance on how to process coursework and continue to monitor the work until it is completed to a satisfactory standard. In order to expedite the completion of coursework, deadline dates have been set for each subject (these are listed below). Pupils are expected to adhere to these deadlines and parents are asked to assist in this respect. A coursework record card will be issued to each pupil for monitoring purposes; parents are asked to play a part in the monitoring process by signing the card when coursework has been completed for each subject.
Ultimately, the responsibility for the standard of coursework submitted, rests with the pupil and it is vital therefore that each pupil follows closely the advice and direction given by the teacher as well as making every effort to comply with the completion deadlines which are set in each subject. Where a pupil fails to meet a deadline a range of sanctions will be imposed which may include detention at lunchtime or after school. In the event of a pupil failing to complete coursework, it is likely that the pupil will be withdrawn from the examination in that subject.
Each subject teacher will ensure that, where possible, no new coursework tasks are set after March and that all coursework in all subjects is complete by the end of the spring term. Where appropriate, it may be possible in some subjects to draft and redraft coursework at the discretion of the teacher. In some subjects much of the coursework will be completed in class while in others the bulk of the work will be completed at home. Where the use of ICT is recommended or compulsory, pupils may make use of the computer facilities in school.
Deadline dates for completion of coursework
All teachers will insist that pupils adhere to these dates. (Dates may vary from
year to year depending on the deadlines set by Examination Boards)
Coursework to be completed by the end
of June (Year 11)
1. Biology (1st piece) and DAS Biology (1st piece)
2. Home Economics (part A)
3. English (approximately half)
4. English Literature (at least one piece of coursework completed)
5. Child Development (2 short pieces)
6. Religious Studies (1st piece)
By the end of September (Year 12)
1. ICT - completion of units 1-3 (year 11 material)
2. Home Economics (part B)
3. Geology (1st piece completed)
By the end of October (Year 12)
1. Maths (1st piece) (done in class) - week beginning 7th October.
2. English (on going)
3. Single Award Science (all completed)
4. Technology - section 4
November (Year 12)
1. History (completed) - by 5th November
2. Music (1st composition) - by 15 November
3. ICT (Booklet) - by 15 November)
4. Geology (final piece completed)
By the end of November (Year 12)
1. Physics (completed)
By beginning of December (Year 12)
1. Maths (2nd piece) (done in class) - week beginning 2nd December
2. Double Award Science (completed)
3. Geography (completed) - by 6th December
4. Chemistry (completed)
By the end of term (Year 12)
1. Biology (final piece)
January (Year 12)
1. Business Studies - 1st draft completed by end of week beginning 6th January
2. Business Studies - 1st draft returned to pupils by end of week beginning
27th January
3. Religious Studies (completed) - by 6th January
4. ICT (Spreadsheet) - 10th January
By the end of February (Year 12)
1. Technology - section 5
2. Physical Education - (completed by the 28th)
March Year 12
1. English (all final drafts completed by the end of the first week)
2. English Literature (remaining pieces of coursework to be completed by the
end of the first week)
3. Music (2nd composition) - by 14th March
4. Business Studies - all coursework completed by week beginning 24th March
By the 4th April (Year 12)
1. ICT (Website - final piece) - due on the 4th April
2. Geology (final piece)
3. Child Development (final piece)
4. Technology - (completed by 4th April)
5. Art (completed)