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Foundation tier has changed. The grades available on each tier changed when the GCSE science specifications were reformed. The highest grade available on Foundation tier has risen. Now students can gain the equivalent of a B grade, making it a better option for some potential grade 5 students.
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- What Are Problems Associated with Tiering?
- What Do Students think?
- What Are The Alternatives?
The use of tiering has reduced over the last decade because of concerns about equity issues. Grade restrictions on foundation and intermediate tiers mean that students’ attainments are capped, with repercussions for their future trajectories.Tiering also leads to inequalities in the curriculum – the foundation tier offers a restricted curriculum wh...
We conducted research with GCSE students in Northern Ireland and Wales to understand their perspectives on tiering and whether it is in the best interests of all students – both in terms of wellbeing and academically. The majority of students in our study were supportive of tiering.However, we also found that those taking foundation, or a mixture o...
Tiering is not the only option. ‘Core plus extension’ involves the use of a ‘core’ paper which all candidates sit, and an additional extension paper which gives access to the highest grades. ‘Adjacent levels’ involves the provision of three different papers with no overlapping grades.Most candidates take two papers so that they cover the grade rang...
Apr 18, 2021 · There are a range of differences between foundation and higher tier at GCSE. These include the maximum grades you can get for each, the exam content and structures and the grade boundaries. To learn more about each of these factors, check out the sections below.
Tiering. We proposed to introduce Conditions and requirements to give effect to our earlier decision that science GCSEs should be tiered....
Apr 18, 2021 · In short, yes, it is possible to switch between the foundation and higher tiers. That said, there are several factors to take into consideration before making a decision; there is extra content to learn, and a harder paper to sit, increasing your workload.
Jan 15, 2019 · We know that some organisations recommend the opposite, but that puts students at risk of missing out on a grade (two grades for combined science). Here’s a reminder of the GCSE subjects that...
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GCSE science grade 5 students: Foundation or Higher – what’s best? For many students the choice of tier is relatively straightforward. However, for potential grade 5 students the choice may be less clear-cut. A number of factors will affect a student’s performance.
