Do gcses still count for much?

Do gcses still count for much?

I'm a bit worried about my daughter. She did well in her gcses with 5 A and 4 B and I know I should be pleased but then when I looked at the pass rate it says 61% of people are given an a to c grade now. So what do her grades count for? I'm worried she'll find it hard to get into a uni she wants to go to. Do I need to think about getting a private tutor to help? Not that I could afford it. I want to help her succeed without making her feels like she's under lots of pressure. It seems to me like they need to sort out the exam system and maybe come up with something new. 

Re: Do gcses still count for much?

Hi there,

I found when I went through university applications 5 years ago that GCSE's really don't come into the decision making much. Universities are far more interested in A level and A/S level results, together with interviews. A friend of mine had a strange experience whereby she was applying for the most popular courses at the most popular universities, where everyone who applies have got 4 A's at A Level predicted and as such they had to use GCSE grades to decide between them, but this happens very rarely.

Hope this helps  

Re: Do gcses still count for much?

 Hi Michelle

I think that all exams are used as a stepping stone to the next level - once that's reached, the previous ones become redundant.

GCSEs are good because they give pupils the chance to study a wide range of subjects and discover what they're good at and what they enjoy. This should help them decide on their A Level subjects.

Once they've done A Levels, GCSEs do become less important, although some universities will look at GCSE results to get an idea of how good a student is overall. 

In the same way, the further you get through your work career, the less important the earlier jobs become. Every new job brings new experience, new challenges and, hopefully a step up. 

Of course, I wouldn't suggest you tell your daughter that all her work is in vain, but hopefully that should ease your worries. 

You had me at 'hello!'

Re: Do gcses still count for much?

 Hello,

Wow you're daughter did really well! I'm 16 years old and just finished off school and my GCSE's too.

I guess it depends what uni and what job your daughter wants to go for; don't keep on looking at statistics and worrying 'what if?' all the  time.

She's done the best she can do; and if she doesnt get into the uni she wants, there's always other options.

Good luck; and I wish your daughter all the best,

x