Guides for parents and teachers

What each year covers, how the GCSE papers are set out, and how the exam boards compare.

GCSE guides

GCSE maths with AQA: How AQA GCSE maths is set out: three papers, Foundation and Higher tiers, and the topic areas, with practice and worked answers for each topic.
GCSE English with AQA: How AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature are set out, and the spelling, grammar, language and reading skills to practise.
GCSE science with AQA: How AQA GCSE science is set out, Combined Science or Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately, with practice on the calculations and key facts.

Key Stage 3, Years 7 to 9: What students learn in maths, English and science in Years 7, 8 and 9, and how to practise each year with explained questions.
Year 7 (ages 11 to 12): Year 7 is the move to secondary school. Students meet new teachers and subjects, and most schools spend the first term finding out what each child already knows.
Year 8 (ages 12 to 13): Year 8 builds on the first year. Algebra becomes more important, science introduces more calculations, and in many schools the first decisions about GCSE options begin.
Year 9 (ages 13 to 14): Year 9 is the last year of Key Stage 3. Many schools finish Key Stage 3 content early and some begin GCSE content, so the pace picks up.

Year 10 (ages 14 to 15): For most students Year 10 is the first full year of GCSE courses. The content is harder and exams are on the horizon, even if they are still more than a year away.
Year 11 (ages 15 to 16): Year 11 is the GCSE exam year. Most exams are in May and June, with school mock exams usually in the winter before.

Looking for a topic? See every practice topic.