Transcript: The Result? GCSE Live Chat
August 2001

BBC Host: Hello, and welcome to The Result? GCSE live chat with our careers angels, Lynne Davies and June Jensen. Here's the first question:

Hazel: My daughter received a pass in GNVQ Health and Social Care and a D in Welsh and Es in Maths, Science, History and English. The plan was to continue her education with Advanced GNVQ but she realises that she needs to re-sit. What would your advice to her be?

Lynne: Hi Hazel. Continue with the GNVQ Advanced and resit English and Maths to start off with, and possibly pick up one or two others in the 2nd year. And good luck!

Steven Taylor: I've just got my GCSE results. I got 5 A to C grades in Business Studies, German, English x2 and History. I want to do something involved with computers

June is Head of CEG at St Cyres School, Penarth and author of the BBC Wales Careers Education booklet.

June: You'll need to see your IT teacher to see if you are able to study computing at AS level. The other subjects should be OK.

Adam Drage: Are there such things as A Levels which are regarded as being more academic than others, and should I base my choices on these (all other things being equal)? Secondly, I have the option of taking sociology or philosophy. Which is better regarded by Unis?

Lynne: Hi Adam. Most universities state that all A levels carry the same weighting. Having said this, some departments may prefer specific subjects. In terms of your 2nd question, take the one that will guarantee you the best grade.

Becky: What can I now do with a C and D for Maths if I want to be an Accountant? I have also got an A* in I.T and 2B's in English, how can you help?

June: Hi Becky. You certainly need to consider your maths grades and whether you can improve them. You do not necessarily need Maths at degree level to become an accountant. I would consider thinking of other career options.

Reena Raja: I would like to do Law when I go to Uni. However, I have been given provisional places for the following AS/A-Level Courses: Economics, Geography, Computing and AS Communications. Are these the right subjects to follow?

Lynne is a Careers Adviser for Careers Wales Mid Glamorgan and co-author of the careers guide 'Into the Future'.

Lynne: There are no preferred subjects for law at the moment. However, subjects that have a high academic content and can demonstrate how you cope with lots of information or opinion, would be useful to demonstrate your abilities in law.

Eddie Man: I got 1 B and 3 C's can I still get into 6th form?

June: Hi Eddie. You will probably need to negotiate with the teachers at your school to see if you can stay on for your AS levels. There is no definite entry requirement laid down - it's entirely down to your school.

Vaishali Gohil: I want to retake my maths and english exam, can you please tell me when the earliest time to retake my exams will be?

Lynne: More schools now would only offer the resit in July. This is not a bad thing as you can now redo some of your course work and of course it gives you more time to improve your grade.

Steven Taylor: I got an E in maths, will that affect my chances of doing German, Business Studies and Computing?

June: Speak to the teachers at school about your maths grade. You should be able to resit maths next year while you are doing your AS levels.

Steven M: I would like 2 teach ICT and was wondering what are the best subjects to take at A level? I was thinking IT, Physics and either Geography or History? Which would you recommend as the best choice?

Lynne: I would recommend taking subjects that will give you the best chance of getting good grades. Surprisingly, many universities would accept students without A level IT. In terms of geography or history, take the one that you would enjoy studying for two years the most.

Emily Willis: Had a pass for GNVQ Health and Social Care (equivalent to two Cs) but only a D in Welsh and Es in English, Science, History and Maths. I wanted to go on to do Advanced GNVQ. I realise that I need to re-sit at least English, Maths and Welsh at least. What do you think are my best options?

June: You need to talk to you teachers about continuing with an advanced GNVQ But you should also definitely consider resitting English and Maths.

Anon: I received my GCSE grades today and they have fortunately given me a lot of choices for AS but unfortunately I am partial to many subjects and I don't know which ones to choose! I cannot follow my best grades because most of them are the same. Is there any advice you can provide?

Lynne: Couple of things - different careers may ask for certain combinations of AS subjects. You should speak to your Careers Adviser when you return to school or college. The other thing to remember is two years is a long time studying a subject that you find boring or dislike. Get the information, do the research and use the first few days of term to decide.

Tom: I have done better in my exams than expected and I have grades that will allow me to go on into the 6th form. I have a place at college to do Advanced GNVQ in Business. Now I don’t know what to do.

June: Hi Tom. Well done for achieving good results. But you need to really consider what you want to study at AS level. And make sure that you are not staying in school because your friends are. Do you really want ASs or do you want the Business Studies? Have a good think.

Stacie Whitelaw: I didn't get my GCSEs for a higher course, but I have also been excepted for a bottom course in child care, can't remember the name but I need something called key stage 4, what is that and how do I know i've got it?

Lynne: Hi Stacie. The bottom course in childcare is probably a GNVQ at either foundation or intermediate level. Foundation would be asking for E grades or lower at GCSE and also takes Certificate of Education The GNVQ Intermediate usually asks for D grades and a success on report from my head of year at school.

Sian: I have 1 A and 6 B and 2 D grades for my GCSE’s, how do I decide which subjects to take for AS level?

June: Hi Sian. You need to consider which subjects you really enjoy and that you feel you would benefit from studying for another year. And then possibly going onto A level. If you are still unsure, ask your teachers whether they think you are a suitable candidate for that subject.

David Bristoll: I today received my GNVQ Intermediate science results. They told me that I had earned a distinction in the two tests that I had taken, but one area was marked with an X with NO RESULT printed next to it. All other GNVQ Int Science students received similar. Does this mean we have all failed? Or is it a mistake?

Lynne: From what I've been told, an X means that the exam either wasn't sat or the coursework wasn't submitted. If all your fellow students had the same thing, you need to speak to your school as soon as possible as it may be possible to have them remarked and the grade changed.

William Hillman: I had my results this morning. I had already chosen what I wanted to do as A levels but I didn't get what I needed for that subject and none of the other subjects available appeal to me. What shall I do?

June: Hi William. You really need to have a look at all the subjects again Check that there isn't a subject that you would enjoy for one year and then possibly resit your disappointing subject.

Adam Drage: Hi again. If I take sociology, art, politics and philosophy, what sort of uni courses will be open to me, and would I be able to do media studies at uni?

Lynne: You could take courses in any of your A level subjects Although Art would need you to put together a portfolio of work, Media Studies usually doesn't ask for any specific subjects, but any portfolio of related work would enhance your application. Your school or college careers adviser can give you specific advice on degree courses and universities.

Ian: I got 2 Bs 2Cs 2Ds and 2 Fs, is that enough to do A level? Thanks

June: Hi Ian. I think you may find it difficult to stay in school for AS levels with your grades, but check first with the teachers at your school to see if they will take you. Failing that, speak to your careers adviser to find out about courses at colleges of FE.

Stacie Whitelaw: I got 2 D's and rest E's. Would that do for foundation in child care, its just that I'm really confused.

Lynne: You need to check with a specific school or college that's offering this course regarding their requirements. Generally you may be able to go on to an intermediate course, but there is nothing wrong with a foundation course, it just takes a bit longer.

Vaishali Gohil: If I do GNVQ intermediate and then advanced GNVQ then will I be able to get into a good uni in the future?

June: Hi Vaishali. There are many universities that take students with GNVQ qualifications, however, I would suggest that you also did an A level as well. I wonder what you mean by a "good" university. You need to look at the type of course that will suit you, not necessarily the reputation of so-called "good" universities.

James Lapwood: Is it possible to have Art remarked? because I'm not happy with my D!

Lynne: Hi James. Speak to your school or college - it is possible to have all subjects remarked but it will cost you money to do this.

Welsh Man: What A levels do I need for car design?

June: For car design, or any design career, I suggest maths, physics and possibly one of the technologies or art. But a good grounding in your favourite subjects will get you into university to do some sort of engineering course.

Amardeep Ghir: I got 6A*'s and 4A's in my gcses. 1 of my A*'s was English literature but I didn't expect to get a high grade in it. I enjoy the subject but I don't know if I can handle it at A level because my work throughout the year for it was fairly weak.....should I do it for A level?

Lynne: There's no doubt that English A level has lots of literature. You need to ask yourself if you'd enjoy it, and also ask your teachers what books you'll study. There's always going to be some Shakespeare, but you could do modern poetry, war literature, women in literature, and if you're very lucky, some of your set texts may have been on the TV!

Ian: How do we go about getting a paper remarked and how much does it cost?

June: Hi Ian. Ask the teacher responsible for examinations in your school to see if it is worth having your script remarked. I am not sure of the cost involved.

David Bristoll: Continued from my last question. That is what the back of the page says, but all staff were extremely strict and keen to receive all course work, and I attended both of the two exams. The two exam results are on the page, but my portfolio (coursework) mark is not there. I know that my portfolio, along with many of my coleagues, was complete.

Lynne: While I don't doubt that you were extremely dedicated, human error does occur. It may be that course work was not received by the examining board, and your tutors need to question the examining board as to whether they received all the required work and which sections were missing. Once they have this information, they can advise you and also query or ask the examining board to remark.

Mystery: To do A level computing, business studies and german, what GCSE grades do you need?

June: Entry qualifications into the 6th form vary from school to school. But I would suggest that you need at least a C or preferably a B to do these 3 subjects.

William Hillman: The paper that I got with my results on tells me that I got a D in English speaking and listening, and a C in English Literature and I'm not sure if I will have to re-sit it or not because there is no overall mark

Lynne: The C grade in Eng Lit is great, and should be an individual subject. English speaking & listening is usually part of the English Language result. There should be two grades for Eng Lang. If this is not clear, go back to your school and ask them to check their mark sheets to give you accurate information.

James Lapwood: Do GCSEs hold much value apart from getting into 6th form because I was so happy with how I did!

June: Hi James. Yes, GCSEs are worthwhile for staying on in school, getting into college, and for applying for a job. You've done well - now make a good choice with what you want to do.

James Lapwood: Do you know if the D in art will affect my chances of being a designer?

Lynne: The D grade could have been better. Speak to your art teacher to analyse where you lost marks. It's actually up to him or her whether you could continue with art at A level. It may be that you'd have to resit the GCSE as well. What is important is building up a really good portfolio, as this will indicate your art ability better in some ways than your exam result.

William Hillman: What GCSE's will I need to study Law AS level?

June: You will need good grades, C or B and above, in English, History, and subjects which involve reading and essay writing. to be suitable for law AS level.

Welsh Man: IS MATHS, PHYSICS, ART AND D&T GOOD FOR CAR DESIGN??

Lynne: Very simply, yes - and good luck!

Ian Taylor: I am getting my results tomorrow and think I have done bad, what should I do?

June: Hi again Ian. Wait for your results. You may not have done as badly as you think. Speak to your teachers if possible, or visit your local careers centre, to get objective advice about your options. Don't worry until you need to!

Mo: What GCSEs will I need to study A level business studies, German and computing?

June: Hi Mo. You may have missed some previous answers, but you will need good GCSE passes (A-C) in those three subjects, and you need good grades in english, maths and science as well.

Alex: My school is offering AVCE Business and Finance. What is this and how will universities view it?

Lynne: Hi Alex. AVCEs are the new name for GNVQ Advanced. Quite simply, it's worth one A level if you take 6 units, or 2 A levels if you take 12. And universities give AVCEs exactly the same weighting as A levels.

Katie Bodman: I got a D in my mathematics paper, and I want to know if I resit the exam, do I have to resubmit new coursework. I feel that I did really well in the exam, but my coursework brought my grade down (2x E), so I would like to resit new coursework if this is possible. Please advise! And how much would it cost to have my original paper re-marked?

June: Hi Katie. You need to check with your maths teacher as to the school policy for resubmitting coursework.

John: I got a high mock grade and a high coursework grade in a subject but in the end, I got two whole grades lower than expected. My entire family are amazed that I scored such a low grade and my parents are wondering how we go about an appeal against this?

Lynne: Hi John. Speak to your teachers, who can tell you the breakdown of marks per section of the exam. You may well find that one particular section let you down very badly. If you still don't agree, talk to your teacher or your head about paying to get exam remarked.

Confused: I would like to study A Level English literature, French, ICT and A/S maths. Do u think that this is too much and what GCSE grades do you think I should have in order to carry on with my choice?

June: The choice of subjects is fine. But you need A-C grades in these subjects for GCSE and good grades in your other subjects. Why are you saying A level for the first 3 subjects and AS for maths? Because next year, you'll be doing four AS subjects, and you may change your mind as to your weakest subject. when you go on to do your A levels.

Paul: I have had enough of school and I want to get a job with some sort of training. My favourite subject was ICT. What should I do?

Lynne: Most careers centres would be able to tell you about the range of modern apprenticeships on offer. Locally, we have a wide range of ICT-based apprenticeships, and as there is a shortage of suitable ICT trained people, I can't see why this would vary in other areas.

William Hillman: I got a B for Maths GCSE and i'm wandering whether it would be to hard for me. What does the cource involve?

June: You need to speak to your maths teachers to see if you can cope with AS maths. Because there are different courses available and your maths department will be able to advise you on the best solution.

Ian Taylor: I had a look at my predicted grades and it said: English D, English Speaking C. Do these count for me to get into my I.T intermediate course?

Lynne: I'm assuming the English D means your Eng Lang. If this is the case, the D grade is quite acceptable for an IT intermediate. Generally, schools and colleges would prefer four D/E grades to enter a GNVQ Intermediate. Hope this helps!

Zoe: I have a place at college to do hairdressing but my friend tells me that it is much better to be trained in a hairdressing salon. Which is better?

June: Hi Zoe. It really depends on how you feel. Do you like the idea of going to college, or do you prefer to be in a workplace situation? You will need to be aware of the training provided by the hairdresser, and make sure that they will provide you with the necessary NVQ qualifications.

Tahseen Khalid: I am so happy with my results but I don't know what to do next!

Lynne: Hi Tahseen. Congratulations on getting such good results! What do YOU want to do? You could continue in education, gaining AS and A levels, then possibly going onto university. You could take up a modern apprenticeship, but unless you know what type of work you want, you aren't going to do very well at an interview. All careers services would be happy to make an appointment for you to discuss your specific results and ambitions with a careers adviser. Just give them a ring!

Confused: I think the majority of my results are C's and there may be a few D's. If I get these results, should I re-take them?

June: Personally, I do not like the idea of taking lots of resits. It is much better to use your time in gaining another qualification - for example, GNVQ, which may be better suited to your method of study. If you're not sure about these qualifications, speak to your careers adviser or careers teacher.

Tahseen Khalid: I want to be a software programmer and I don't know what to do next. I got A* in math science and a distinction in business and ICT

Lynne: I would advise that, to maximise your potential as a software programmer, you should take maths, and any other subjects that you feel you're really good at.

Adam lynch: Why is there such a bad sense of what a GNVQ is these days. Why do people still keep saying that they are for thick people?

June: Hi Adam. Unfortunately there are still some people who don't regard GNVQ very highly. But the advanced GNVQ is equivalent to two A levels, and for many people it is a method of studying that suits them, and they are able to then progress onto higher education.

Catrin: I can do the subjects I want to do at AS but only two will be available at A2. Will universities need 3 subjects and if so what should I do?

Lynne: Hi Catrin. Take as many subjects as possible at AS, but no more than 4. If there are still only two subjects you wish to take at A2, there are still a large number of universities that would accept two A levels. However, you are reducing your chances of getting into the university that you'd really like.

Nicola: What highers do I need to do Graphic design?

June: Hi Nicola. I am assuming, as you are talking of Highers, that you are in Scotland. And I know there are some slight differences to the English and Welsh curriculum, but I would suggest that you need possibly maths, physics, technology or art.

Ian Taylor: I need two D's to get into my I.T intermedate courses, and when i looked at my predicted grades it said English D and English Specking C, will i get into my course still.

Lynne: As I'm not the Head of your course, I can't give you an exact answer! Generally, the C grade in English speaking will not count, so I hope you've got a couple of Ds somewhere else. I would suggest you contact your preferred school or college as soon as possible, to get an exact answer.

Nicola: Why would I need physics to get into Graphic Design?

June: Physics is not essential, but it is a very good subject because it covers maths, structures, and a wide range of scientific areas that may be needed in design work.

The: I want to do a level business studies, German and computing. I can do German, but I'm not sure bout computing. To do business studies, I need A* to C in maths. I got an E. A* to C in English, B in speaking and listening, C in literature, C in English and A* to C in Business Studies. I got a C. Will this be enough to do Business Studies, German, and Computing at A Level?

Lynne: Who has told you that you need A* to C in Maths? Generally, schools are more concerned with getting a C or above in the subjects you want to study. However, the head of 6th or head of college will have the last word on whether you would be acceptable for the course. Speak to the head of IT about whether he/she thinks you would cope with the content of A level.

Confused: I would like to be an accountant in life. What subjects would you suggest I should take?

June: You need three good quality A levels, not necessarily maths, but it is probably a good idea, and I would suggest that you had some IT qualifications as this is part of life nowadays!

Clemmie Marcel: My sister got eleven A*'s, is this rare!?

Lynne: I wish it was! She probably would make the national news! Unfortunately, it's not that rare, but she still deserves a big family celebration to congratulate her on her hard work!

Nicola: I've got 1s and twos in my SGs for computing admin, art and design, maths and English, as well as history and French, and am taking higher art, maths, English, information systems and chemistry, am I on the right lines?

June: As I've said before, the Scottish system is slightly different to ours, but there doesn't seem to be a problem in your selection, providing that you feel that you can cope with all of them.

Clemmie Marcel: I would like to go to medical school, what sort of grades do you need?

Lynne: Generally medical schools would look at all students offering A*, A and B grade at ALL their GCSEs. At A level don't even bother applying unless you have evidence that you will get an average of at least one A and two B grades,

Confused: When you are applying for a job, would the interviewer be more interested in your A level results rather than your GCSEs? I ask this question because my GCSE results were not the best that I had hoped for, however, I am determined to show my real ability in the A Level exams.

June: The interviewer will be interested in your A levels, but will also be interested in the range of GCSEs, especially English and Maths.

Syed Shah: My son has just passed his GCSE exms and does not know if by taking GNVQs he would be able to get into university. Does he need A levels or do GNVQs equate to A levels and will it get him into a good university?

Lynne: GNVQs, or to give them their new name, AVCEs, are considered the same as one A level if you take 6 units, or 2 A levels if you take 12. 99% of universities will give these AVCEs exactly the same value as A levels.

Syed Shah: How many GNVQa are needed to get to university?

Lynne:Don't take more than 1 12 unit AVCE as you'll be taking on too much work, but take an A level as well.

BBC Host: Sorry, but that is all we have time for. Here's our careers angels with a final word ...

June: Thanks for your questions, good luck in the future!

Lynne: Keep in touch with teachers and careers advisers.

BBC Host: Sorry if your question didn't get answered - there just wasn't enough time to cover them all.

Read the transcript from the A level results live chat