Taking a suitable photograph for your student ID card is easier than you might think. All you need is your mobile phone, a plain background or wall, and a well-lit room. To take a good picture, ensure that the room is well-lit and then use your phone to snap a picture in front of a plain background or wall.

Samples of good and poor ID card photos

You can use the following examples to determine which ID card photos are appropriate and which are not and how to take suitable photo for student ID Card:

Good Photos

• Well-lit face
• Clear photo of the head and shoulders
• Plain background

Bad Photos

• Hair over the face
• Wearing fashion hats
• With beauty filters / airbrushing
• Wearing sunglasses
• Taken from an angle
• Photograph too dark
• Taken in bright sunlight
• distracting background or foreground
• With fun photo filters
• Other people in photo
• Showing only one side of your face
• Photograph too close
• Black-and-white photos
• Photograph too small / low quality
• Photograph taken from above

Additional Tips:

• Ensure that your face is fully visible and not obstructed by any objects or accessories.
• It is important to have a neutral expression and avoid any exaggerated facial expressions or gestures.
• Make sure the lighting is sufficient and evenly distributed across your face to avoid any shadows or unevenness in the photo.

If you want your photograph to be ID card-appropriate, make sure it follows all the above-mentioned guidelines. Now you are all set to pose for your ID card photograph!

What to Read Next:

• How to get a Student ID Card in UK?
• How to Become a Personal Assistant
• How to Apply for a Student ID Card Online

The post How to Take Suitable Photo for Student ID Card appeared first on Lead Academy.

This blog elaborately describes what is QTLS and the route to get QTLS. Let’s jump into the details.

What is QTLS?

The term QTLS stands for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status. This is a teacher training course which, upon completion, gives the eligibility to teach at the sixth-form level and above.

As per Wikipedia, “Since 1 April 2012, teachers with Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status have also been recognised as qualified to teach in schools. Holders of QTLS who are members of the Society for Education & Training (SET) may be appointed to permanent positions as qualified teachers, without any further induction requirements.”

Holding a QTLS status gives teachers the flexibility to teach at all levels. However, this course particularly enhances one’s competency to teach in a further education setting.

A teacher having QTLS can teach in a wide range of academic settings, including-

• Primary and nursery education
• Secondary education
• Sixth form colleges
• Universities
• Support needs educationAdult education centres

You can watch the following video to get a detailed overview of what QTLS is.

How to get QTLS?

The most common and fastest way to gain QTLS is to complete a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET), previously known as DTLLS. This diploma course involves online assessment with one-on-one tutor support. You can complete DET alongside your work as it is completely online and gives you full flexibility.

DET does not require any internship or apprenticeship. You just need to have 100 hours of log, out of which only 8 is observed and assessed.

Apart from the Level 5 diploma in education and training course, there are some other Level 5 teaching qualifications that lead to the QTLS. Those are as follows-

1. Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) — Level 5
2. Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (English ESOL) — Level 5
3. General Teacher Training Practice (GTTP)
4. General Professional Recognition Learning & Skills
5. Postgraduate Certificate in ESOL Teaching
6. Post Graduate Diploma in Education

Another route to gain the QTLS qualification is through the Society for Education and Training (SET). SET is an independent professional membership body that promotes excellence in education and works for the professional interests of teachers, educators and trainers in the UK.

The very first step to earning QTLS through SET would be to become a member of this professional body. The advantage of being a member of SET is that it provides access to resources, support, and professional development opportunities.

Next, the interested teachers should check their eligibility criteria. You must have a relevant degree and have a minimum of grade C or 4 in English and Mathematics.

The candidates then need to undertake Professional Formation. This is a structured assessment route that evaluates an individual’s skills, knowledge, and experience as a teacher. Candidates have to compile a portfolio of evidence to showcase their teaching practice, professional development, and contributions in the education community.

The portfolio needs to be submitted to SET for assessment where an appointed assessor evaluates it. If the portfolio meets the required standards, the candidate is awarded the Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status.

How to apply for QTLS?

As mentioned above, to apply for QTLS, you first need to complete the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. After the completion of the Level 5 diploma course, you will become eligible to apply for professional formation.
Your professional formation is to demonstrate that you possess the required knowledge and skills to be a teacher. If you can demonstrate your proficiency successfully, you will be awarded QTLS. You should submit your application for the QTLS through the Society of Education and Training (SET).

What is the Eligibility Criteria to apply for QTLS?

In order to apply for professional formation that leads to QTLS, you should meet the following eligibility criteria-

• Must be an active member of the Society for Education and Training (SET)
• Have a Further Education (FE) and Training teaching qualification at Level 5 or above
• Have a level 2 Maths and English qualification
• Have a level 3+ subject specific qualification
• Have a level 3+ qualification in subjects that you teach for 5 or more hours per week
• Be in teaching training groups of five or more post-14 learners in a FE and Training setting for a minimum of ten hours a week, throughout the Professional Formation programme

FAQs:

What does QTLS stand for?

QTLS stands for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status.

How long does it take to get QTLS?

It usually takes six months to get QTLS through the process of professional formation.

Are QTS and QTLS the same?

QTS and QTLS are both training courses for teachers. While QTS is required to teach at the primary level, QTLS is accepted for teaching in higher education institutions.

Do I need both QTS and QTLS to work as a teacher in the UK?

While QTLS is not mandatory, you must hold QTS if you want to teach in the UK. Some of the institutions ask for QTS to the QTLS holders as a prerequisite. You only need a QTLS if you intend to work in the post 16 education sector.

What is the quickest way to get QTLS?

The quickest way to get QTLS is through a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. This education course can be done without attending Level 3 or 4 and is fully online.

Conclusion:

QTLS is one of the most important teacher training courses if you are pursuing a teaching career in the UK. Holding a QTLS status broadens the opportunity to teach in the advanced levels. By following the above mentioned routes of this skill training, you can also gain the QTLS status in no time.

What to Read Next:

• How to Become a SEN Teaching Assistant
• 10 Easiest Ways to Learn Spanish​​
• How Do You Become a Professor – A Complete Guide to be a Professor
• Why Do You Want to Be a Teacher? Frequently Asked Interview Questions
• Want to be a Teacher but Scared of Public Speaking? 10 Easy Tips
• Wonderful Sources of Support for Learning and Development
• How to Become a Primary School Teacher – Step by Step Guide

The post What Is QTLS and How To Get One appeared first on Lead Academy.

In this blog, we will discuss the Six Sigma methodology, Lean Six Sigma, Six Sigma tools and the belt levels in detail.

What is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma is a methodology and a data-driven approach that uses tools to improve business processes by increasing team spirit, reducing defects, improving efficiency and quality of products.

The approach of Six Sigma works towards achieving a level of quality that is almost perfect by using a structured approach called DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control).
Six Sigma opts to discover variations at the various stages of business progress. The tool analyses data to identify variations at any stage and then enhances efficiency through continuous improvement.

What is Lean Six Sigma?

Lean Sigma basically combines two most powerful techniques: Lean methodology and Six Sigma.

While Six Sigma focuses on bringing down process variation, lean works on eliminating waste. Both the terms, when combined, become more powerful and bring positive results for businesses.

Lean Six Sigma focuses on defect prevention over defect detection. It minimises waste, and reduces variation while influencing the use of work standardisation and flow.

Lean Six Sigma can be applied to any sector where waste and variation exist. Nowadays, it is widely used in manufacturing, finance, service industries and even in healthcare to improve efficiency, minimise costs, and increase customer satisfaction.
Check out the following YouTube video for a better understanding of Lean Six Sigma.
Introduction to LEAN Six Sigma in 3 Minutes

The Six Sigma Tools:

The Six Sigma tools are used to support the Six Sigma methodology. Let’s have a look at the most commonly used Six Sigma tools-

1. Value Stream Mapping- This six sigma tool uses a flowchart to outline the information and materials required for process improvement. The three core elements of a flowchart are the process map, information, and timeline.
2. FMEA- FMEA stands for Failure, Modes and Effects Analysis. This cost-effective tool helps to find potential failures in processes and apply corrective measures before any failure can happen.
3. Pareto Chart- This Six Sigma tool states how 20% effort can generate 80% output. It focuses on finding the crucial processes that can significantly impact the result of businesses.
4. Histogram- A histogram is the visual representation of data distribution that helps to identify the variations in a graph. This locates where the problem exists and then resolves it by implementing correct measures.
5. 5 Whys- This tool focuses on finding the problem by asking ‘why’ five times repeatedly. As a result, it solves complex problems by providing the most accurate solutions.
6. Fishbone Diagram- This six sigma tool helps to find the root cause of problems using mind mapping and brainstorming methods.
7. Kanban- A kanban is a series of graphic cards that keep track of work progress. Kanban board has a minimum of three vital parts: works completed, works on-progress, and works to be completed.
8. Kaizen- This six sigma tool focuses on continuous improvement. Kaizen encourages improvements which lead to produce significant results. The tool is also used to reduce redundancy and increase efficiency.
9. Statistical Process Control (SPC)- This tool uses control charts to visualise the progress of processes over time. Thus it is helpful in identifying any degree of variations, finding root cause for the variations and applying corrective measures.
10. The 5s System- The 5s method follows five steps: Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardise, and then Sustain. This method is related to workflow optimization.

Six Sigma Belt Levels:

There are six belt levels relevant to the position of the employees within an organisation. The Lean Six Sigma belts are earned through course-based training, exams and practical experience. A Six Sigma belt holder is highly valued by employers as it demonstrates an employee’s knowledge of operational excellence.

The Six Sigma belt levels are:

• White belt: The Lean Six Sigma white belt is awarded to those who have completed an entry-level overview of the tools used in Six Sigma, i.e. its history, six sigma and lean practices, basics of DMAIC and the system’s structure.
• Yellow belt: This belt is awarded to those who can assist a project at a practical level and have passed an exam while demonstrating an understanding of implementing, performing, and applying Six Sigma.
• Green belt: This green belt works under the supervision of a six sigma black belt. This belt is awarded for learning the principles of Six Sigma and implementing them in real projects.
  The green belt awardees also need to pass an exam to demonstrate the thorough knowledge of the Six Sigma Method phases.
• Black belt: A black belt shows the ability to explain the Six Sigma philosophies and principles along with its supporting tools and systems. They demonstrate team leadership, have a thorough understanding of the DMAIC model and can identify waste.
  As a black belt awardee, you must pass an exam demonstrating a complete knowledge of the Six Sigma Method phases.
• Master black belt: The Master black belts possess extensive experience in Six Sigma and often act as consultants to assist in implementing Lean Six Sigma practices. They must demonstrate an expert understanding of the philosophies and principles of Six Sigma through an exam.
  Master black belts need at least five years of experience as a black belt or proof of completing at least 10 Six Sigma projects.
• Champion: The Six Sigma champion is the highest level of Six Sigma training. The champions remain responsible for making all the high-level decisions, implementing Six Sigma across all departments and mentoring other Six Sigma candidates that include black belts and green belts.

To know about Six Sigma certification, check out our blog, “What is Six Sigma Certification.”

FAQs:

What is a lean six sigma green belt?

A lean six sigma green belt holder has a thorough understanding of the Lean Six Sigma method along with the DMAIC model. They work under the supervision of the lean six sigma black belts and participate in complex improvement projects.

Can you go straight to a six sigma black belt?

Yes, you can go straight to a six sigma black belt as some online six sigma courses do not have any pre-requisite. However, it is recommended to proceed step by step and do green belt before black belt.

How hard is the six sigma green belt exam?

It depends on the exam preparation and varies from person to person. You need to score 70% to pass the six sigma green belt exam. So, you should prepare accordingly.

How long does it take to get a six sigma black belt?

It typically takes 1 to 3 months to complete and get the six sigma black belt depending on the course provider. For details, you can check out this video.

Conclusion:

Companies are achieving success by adopting Six Sigma and Lean principles. Likewise, employees are playing a significant role by undertaking lean six sigma training. Thus, Lean Six Sigma has become a crucial part of every business in modern days.

What to Read Next:

• What is Distributed Leadership? Importance of Distributed Leadership
• How To Become A Business Intelligence Manager
• What are the 4 types of leadership
• What is Six Sigma Certification: Definition, Levels, Cost & Benefits

The post What is Six Sigma: Things You Must Know appeared first on Lead Academy.

If you are searching on the internet, typing “What Qualifications Do I Need to be a Teacher?” this blog can be your saviour to guide you through this journey.

What qualifications do I need to be a teacher?

It is a major responsibility to educate children or young adults whom you would refer to as students. So, you cannot just get into teaching without preparing yourself first. In order to be a teacher in the UK, you need to have certain qualifications which are mentioned below-

• Eligibility to become a Teacher:

If you are planning to be a primary school teacher, you need to have GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in Mathematics, Science and English. In some cases, teacher training providers might accept an equivalency test or other qualification.

Some Initial Teacher Training (ITT) providers prefer you to have a degree in a national curriculum subject for primary teaching. For secondary teaching, you must have a degree in the subject you are willing to teach.

To teach in the state schools of England and Wales in the primary, secondary and special schools, you need to obtain the QTS certificate (Qualified Teacher Status) by following a programme of ITT (Initial Teacher Training). Though some private schools accept teachers without QTS, it is best to have this qualification.

You can further read How to Become a Primary School Teacher – Step by Step Guide if your aim is to teach at the primary level.

• Teacher Qualifications:

There are different routes to earn qualifications for becoming a teacher. For instance, those who want to be a primary school teacher, they should earn a Bachelors of Education (BEd) degree. A BEd is a three-year degree for teaching primary level children that includes Key Stages 1 and 2.

On the other hand, nursery teachers can get a job without a bachelor’s degree however; they should be certified to work with young children.

• Read more about How to Become a Nursery Teacher?

Secondary teacher requirements include having a bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject field. For example, if anyone wants to teach science, they should consider earning a degree in biology.

Those who have a Bachelor’s degree can earn a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) afterwards. The PGCE certification allows teachers to teach at all levels in the subject they have completed their Bachelors in. It usually takes a year to obtain a PGCE credential.

Also, those who do not have any prior experience of teaching, can obtain a Level 3 teaching qualification. This qualification is an introductory qualification to the adult education sector. Likewise, a Level 5 diploma in education and training extends your teaching skills as a teacher of students aged above 16. You can consider obtaining these two qualifications if you are interested in teaching young adults.

• Teacher Skills:

The prospective teachers should meet the required standards of literacy and numeracy skills which is ensured by the ITT providers. Each provider is supposed to assess the applicants during the selection process or when they are on the training programme. If trainees remain unable to meet the required level of literacy and numeracy skills, they will not obtain QTS.

Besides literacy and numeracy skills, teachers are expected to have the ability to programme and code computers. As reported by BBC, Prof Donaldson recommended computer programming and IT to become central to classroom teaching as literacy and numeracy and this recommendation has been accepted by the government. Teachers need to weave those into every lesson so they should hold a strong knowledge of computer science.

Good communication, organisation and leadership are the three other important skills of a good teacher. Being a teacher, it’s extremely important for you to have a good communication skill to convey lessons, provide feedback and discuss progress of students with their parents,

A good organisation skill helps teachers to keep track of students’ records of exams and assessments. Likewise, good leadership skills can help teachers in controlling the classroom environment, advising and monitoring extracurricular activities.

Most importantly, a teacher should have the enthusiasm to teach and possess the persuasive skill to grab students’ attention in the class. A classroom environment becomes spontaneous when the teacher teaches willingly rather than considering it as a job.

FAQs:

How to become a teacher?

Consider the following steps to be a teacher-

• Earn a bachelor’s degree
• Earn a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• Earn a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Gain the necessary teacher skills
• Be prepared for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Can you be a teacher without a degree?

It is possible to teach without a degree as some private schools and further education (FE) colleges do not require any. However, it is always recommended to earn a degree that includes QTS.

How to become a teaching assistant with no experience?

There are certain assistant teacher requirements that might vary according to the institutions. However, you can still be a teaching assistant without any experience. You can opt for volunteering in schools, apply to be a substitute teacher, complete a certification course or diploma in teaching if you do not have any teaching assistant experience.

What do you need to be a teacher?

To qualify as a teacher in England and Wales, you need to have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). If you opt to teach in primary schools, you may not require any degree but to be a secondary level teacher you should have a degree that is relevant to the subject you want to teach.

How to get a teaching certificate?

The aspiring teachers need to have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) which proves that they are eligible to teach in England or Wales. According to the GOV. UK, you can earn QTS by-

• applying for QTS certificate online
• applying for assessment only QTS
• applying for teacher training in England
• applying to train for international qualified teacher status (iQTS)

What degree do you need to be a teacher?

You can apply to be a teacher if you have a bachelor’s degree. Your degree does not necessarily have to be in teaching; you can have a bachelor’s degree in any subject.

How long does it take to become a teacher?

It actually varies from person to person. It can take up to four years to become a teacher when you earn a bachelor’s degree and pass certification exams. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, it would take less time to be a teacher.

How to become a teaching assistant?

To become a teaching assistant, you need to earn a Level 2 or Level 3 teaching assistant qualification. Besides, you can apply for apprenticeship or volunteer in schools to gain experience and work as a teaching assistant.

Conclusion:

Being a teacher is extremely rewarding however; it is challenging as well. Along with the subject knowledge, you should meet the state requirements to be a teacher and also gain the necessary skills. So, it is advisable to earn the qualifications first if you want to be a teacher.

What to Read Next:

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The post What Qualifications Do I Need to be a Teacher? appeared first on Lead Academy.

Learn more about the Six Sigma certification, the belt levels and all other necessary details from this blog.

What is Six Sigma Certification?

The Six Sigma Certification is a validation of an individual’s knowledge of project management tools and techniques. The Six Sigma Certificate is awarded to trainees in levels using a belt classification system similar to that of martial arts.

The Certifications typically require completion of a training course and appearing in a practical exam. In some cases, there can be certain work experience requirements as well. You need to renew your Six Sigma certification periodically as per the organisation’s standards.

The Six Sigma Belt Levels:

You might want to know, how many six sigma belts are there? As the name itself suggests, there are six belt levels relevant to the position of the employees within an organisation. The Six Sigma belts are earned through course-based training, exams and practical experience.

Belt Levels

The belt levels are-

• White belt: The White belt is awarded to those who have completed an entry-level overview of the tools used in Six Sigma, i.e. its history, six sigma and lean practices, basics of DMAIC and the system’s structure.
• Yellow belt: This belt is awarded to those who can assist a project at a practical level and have passed an exam while demonstrating an understanding of implementing, performing, and applying Six Sigma.
• Green belt: A six sigma green belt works under the supervision of a six sigma black belt. Those who apply Six Sigma principles in real projects get this award.
  The green belt awardees also need to pass an exam to demonstrate the thorough knowledge of the Six Sigma Method phases.
• Black belt: A six sigma black belt shows the ability to explain the Six Sigma philosophies and principles along with its supporting tools and systems. They demonstrate team leadership, have a thorough understanding of the DMAIC model and can identify waste.
  As a black belt awardee, you must pass an exam demonstrating a complete knowledge of the Six Sigma Method phases.
• Master black belt: The Master black belts possess extensive experience in Six Sigma and often act as consultants to assist in implementing Lean Six Sigma practices. They must demonstrate an expert understanding of the philosophies and principles of Six Sigma through an exam.
  Master black belts need at least five years of experience as a black belt or proof of completing at least 10 Six Sigma projects.
• Champion: The Six Sigma champion is the highest level of Six Sigma training. The champions remain responsible for making all the high-level decisions, implementing Six Sigma across all departments and mentoring other Six Sigma candidates that include black belts and green belts.

Benefits of Six Sigma:

A six sigma training certification opens the door to a myriad of opportunities for the employees. Likewise, following the Six Sigma ideology, employers get benefited too. Let’s find out in detail-

For Employers

• Reduces Waste: The concept of Six Sigma aids in decreasing the total waste of a business. The methodology of Six Sigma identifies and remedies the area of waste within an organisation saving the time, waste and money.
• Increases Profits: The unique techniques of Six Sigma help to reduce the time, labour and energy required for creating a product. This improves the productivity of a company which ultimately results in profit increase.
• Improves Connectivity with Investors: The companies with employees having Six Sigma professional certifications attract more investors. Six Sigma Belt professionals’ commitment to quality and improvement makes your organization more attractive to investors for partnership.
• Ensures compliance with regulations: Following the principles of Six Sigma, companies can fulfil contract requirements and comply with state, national or international standards. The guidelines ensure that a company can stay proactive and can be adaptive to any industry changes.

For Employees

• Improves Job Opportunities: An employee with Six Sigma training can stand out to employers because of their knowledge in cost reduction, leadership skills and quality control. Hence, Six Sigma skills can help employees to ace in various roles.
• Provides hands-on experience: The Six Sigma certification services require you to complete projects using the six sigma principles. This enables you to gain practical experience in project management making you a highly demandable candidate.
• Helps to get managerial roles: The Six Sigma certification can widen your opportunity to get managerial roles. The process improves your leadership, management, risk-assessment, and team-building skills, which employers look for in managerial roles.

How Much Does Six Sigma Cost?

The cost of a Six Sigma course will depend on the course provider. If you are not taking lessons from any training providers and your company is providing the training, they will not charge you but bear the cost of creating the curriculum, the trainer, and the time you are investing on the training.
You can enrol to any Six Sigma course online. This would be the most convenient way to achieve your professional certifications if you already have a job. Lead Academy offers Six Sigma courses at various levels where the offer price is now starting from £79 only!

FAQs:

How Long Does It Take to Get Six Sigma Certification?

The time required to get a Six Sigma certification varies according to the certification provider and the project requirements. However, the White Belt certification usually takes up to 4 hours, the Green Belt takes up to 10 weeks, the Yellow Belt requires three weeks, and the Black Belt takes 16 weeks at maximum.

What Does Six Sigma Certification Cost?

The cost of Six Sigma certification varies according to the certification providers. You need to check the websites of the training providers to know the exact cost.

What is Six Sigma certification used for?

A Six Sigma Certification proves your eligibility to use the Six Sigma tools and techniques to analytically solve business problems. Further, so as to achieve professional goals, individuals can leverage the Six Sigma belt certifications.

Is Six Sigma a good qualification?

Most of the business teams look for a Six Sigma trained candidate these days. So, if you are planning to get the certification, do not think twice! It is the perfect certificate to prove yourself in the modern business.

Conclusion:

The Six Sigma certification can open the door to many lucrative opportunities and help you achieve the ultimate professional success. Further, this certificate is what will make you stand alone among all the other candidates. So, do not waste your time anymore and start your Six Sigma journey today!

What to Read Next:

• What is Six Sigma: Things You Must Know
• What is Distributed Leadership? Importance of Distributed Leadership
• What are the 4 types of leadership
• How To Become A Business Intelligence Manager

The post What is Six Sigma Certification: Definition, Levels, Cost & Benefits appeared first on Lead Academy.

So, to help you with all your queries related to GCSEs, we have come up with this blog. Learn about GCSE courses, GCSE grading system and other relevant details from this blog.

What are GCSEs?

In the UK, a student’s education is divided into four Key Stages. The last of these stages is the Key Stage 4 (KS4) which comprises students between the years 10 and 11.

The qualifications that most students prefer during the Key Stage 4 are called GCSEs. The acronym ‘GCSE’ stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education.

GCSEs are studied over a two-year period of time and are assessed by written exams at the end of two years of study. However, some courses also require a small amount of coursework.

When was GCSE introduced?

GCSE was first introduced in September 1986. This qualification replaced the original O-Levels and CSEs, which were the qualifications studied before 1986.

What year do you do GCSEs?

GCSEs are usually taken by the students in the year 10 and 11 and between the ages of 14 and 16. The first year and a half of GCSEs are usually spent learning the content while most of the assessments and examinations take place at the end of year 11.

What are the compulsory GCSE subjects?

GCSE candidates are allowed to choose the subjects, however; there are some compulsory subjects that they need to study at Key Stage 4. They are-

• English (English Language and English Literature)
• Mathematics
• Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
• Social Studies
• Physical Education (PE)

There are usually no assessments in Social Studies or Physical Education. These subjects are recreational and have been designed to keep students updated about the modern world.

What are the optional GCSE subjects?

The GCSE options for subjects are many from where students can study according to their preferences. They are-

• The Arts: Art, Dance, Music, Photography, Media Studies, Theatre Studies, etc.
• Business: Business Studies, Finance, Economics etc.
• Design and Technology: Engineering, Graphic Design, Product Design, Textiles etc.
• The Humanities: History, Philosophy, Geography, Politics, etc.
• Modern Foreign Languages: French, German, Spanish, etc.
• Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Sports Studies, etc.

GCSE grading system:

Initially, GCSE courses were graded in letters as opposed to the numerical grading system used now. A, B, C, D, E, F and G were the pass grades, and the letter U was given for an ‘unclassified’ grade.

A-C grades in the letter grading system were known as the standard pass. Later on, the A* grade was added as the highest level of GCSE grades to show that a student has performed exceptionally well in a particular subject.

As a part of the 2014 curriculum, the numerical grading scheme was introduced by Education Secretary Michael Gove. It was introduced to put less emphasis on GCSE coursework than before, with grades in almost all subjects decided in final exams.

According to BBC, “The qualifications were designed to be more challenging, with exams taken after two years of study. Previously pupils covered the syllabus through a series of modules with regular assessments throughout the course.”

Old Vs New Grading System:

However, the number scale is not directly equivalent to the old letter one. The two scales do meet in certain places:

• the bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A
• the bottom of grade 4 is aligned with the bottom of grade C
• the bottom of grade 1 is aligned with the bottom of grade G
• three number grades 9, 8 and 7 correspond to the two previous top grades of A* and A

How many GCSE subjects can a student take?

A student must take at least five subjects at GCSE. Usually, the school helps students to determine how many subjects they should choose, which could be as many as twelve.
The choice of taking more than the usual number of GCSE subjects depends on the student’s academic capacity and the school’s resources to assist them.

How long does it take to complete GCSEs?

The length of GCSE courses depends on the setting you’re studying them. In a traditional school setting, if you take a number of these at once, they will take 2-3 years to complete depending on the school and subjects studied.
Again, if you take adult GCSE courses and study them part or full-time in a college setting, the time to finish will depend on the individual college programme.
However, full-time students can complete standard GCSEs over two years or GCSE short courses in just one year. If you are doing it online, it might take as less as six months to complete GCSEs.

Can you do GCSEs online?

The quickest way to be done with your GCSEs is doing it online. With online GCSE courses, the materials for the entire course become accessible online so that you can study at your own pace. The best part is, you can move to the next module once you are ready; you do not have to rush to keep pace with your classmates.

Are you looking for online GCSE courses? Lead Academy offers Pearson Edexcel and AQA-accredited GCSE online courses that are widely accepted by universities across the globe. In addition to our GCSE Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and English courses, we also help you in booking your GCSE exam!

Are GCSEs important?

Your GCSEs can have a significant impact on your future studies. In the UK, GCSEs are considered as the first major academic qualification of your academic journey.

Your final GCSE scores will decide which A levels you can study and where. Some universities also look at your GCSE marks as a part of their admission process, while some employers may also ask for your GCSE completion certificate during recruitment.

So, you must take your GCSEs seriously to secure the best grades and pursue your future endeavors.

FAQs:

What are GCSEs?

GCSEs are academic qualifications that is a part of the National Curriculum of England, Wales or Northern Ireland. ‘GCSE’ stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education and is taken by students aged 14-16 at the end of year 10 and 11.

What level are GCSEs?

GCSEs are classified as a level 2 qualification taken during secondary school.

What are GCSEs in Scotland?

In Scotland, instead of GCSEs, students take National 5s, which are fairly similar to GCSEs.

What are GCSEs in America?

In the USA, the General Educational Development test is equivalent to the GCSE in the UK.

What month are GCSEs taken 2023?

GCSEs are expected to start on 15th May 2023 with the final exam due to take place on 27 June 2023.

What are the best GCSEs to take?

Apart from the core subjects, the most popular GCSE options are Art, History, Geography, Design and Technology, French and other modern languages.

What are the hardest GCSEs?

According to the latest official UK government data, based on 2021/22 Key Stage 4 performance, Film Studies, Engineering, Food Preparation and Nutrition, English Language and Literature have been recognised as the hardest GCSE subjects.

Conclusion:

No wonder GCSEs are an important part of your secondary school and plays a crucial role while planning your future. If you read the blog, you have come through everything you needed to know about GCSEs including the duration of its completion and also the new GCSE scoring system. Hopefully, there’s no more confusion about GCSEs!

What to Read Next:

• GCSE English Grade Boundaries – Language & Literature All Boards
• What GCSE do you need to be a Lawyer? Law Degree Tips Included
• GCSE Physics Grade Boundaries For All Boards – PDF Download
• GCSE Chemistry Grade Boundaries 2019 to 2023 – All PDFs
• AQA GCSE Grade Boundaries for All Subjects (2019 to 2023)
• When is GCSE Results Day 2023? GCSE Exam Results Publish Date to Note

The post What are GCSEs? Everything you need to know appeared first on Lead Academy.

What is GCSE?

The initials GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. In the UK, students take an academic qualification at the end of their compulsory education in Year 11. They are usually studied full-time at school and take 2-3 years or five terms to complete.

The journey of GCSE starts either in Year 9 or 10 depending on the subject, school or exam board and finishes with a set of examinations at the end of the course. It is basically designed for students who are above the age of 14 and want to progress to A-levels before entering a UK university.

The GCSE qualification mainly involves studying the theory of a subject along with some investigative work, while some subjects also involve practical work. The three compulsory GCSE subjects are English, Maths and Science. All other subjects in GCSE are optional.

You can learn more about GCSE study from How to Revise for GCSE: Best Ways to Revise for GCSE.

What is an IGCSE?

IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education which is recognised as the international equivalent of the GCSE. IGCSE offers the same level of education like the traditional GCSE, but in an international or non UK-centric curriculum and context.

While GCSEs are offered in only a handful of countries, IGCSEs are accessible in over 150 countries worldwide. You can also sit for IGCSE in countries which offer standard GCSEs, including the UK.

In the case of IGCSE subject offerings, it is very similar to that of GCSE. However, IGCSE subjects tend not to include any coursework except for subjects like Art and Design.

Are IGCSEs and GCSEs Equivalent?

As mentioned before, the IGCSE is considered as the international equivalent of the GCSE. Both the IGCSE and GCSE qualifications are studied and examined at the same point in the UK education system. None of the qualifications has any age restriction and both of them have a huge impact on further study and career path of a student.

What is the Difference between GCSE and IGCSE?

Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

IGCSE was considered to be harder than GCSE previously since the final results were based on the end-of-course examinations, unlike the coursework based GCSE. However, after the reforms to the GCSEs under Michael Gove (former Secretary of State for Education in the UK Government), coursework elements were removed from many GCSE subjects leading the GCSE to be easier than IGCSE.

FAQs:

Do universities prefer IGCSE or GCSE?

Both the IGCSE and GCSE qualifications are recognised and accepted by the UK Universities and they do not distinguish between these two qualifications. Hence, both of them are acceptable in the universities.

What does IGCSE stand for?

IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education.

Is GCSE and IGCSE the same thing?

Both the IGCSEs and GCSEs are academic qualifications which are studied and examined at the same point in the UK education system. The only difference between the two is that while GCSE is UK based, IGCSE is the internationally recognised equivalent of GCSE.

Is IGCSE Maths harder than GCSE?

IGCSE was known to be harder than GCSE, whether it was Maths or any other subjects. However, after the GCSE reforms in 2017, the scenario changed. Now, GCSEs are considered easier than IGCSE.

Is IGCSE easier than GCSE?

As mentioned previously, if it is IGCSE vs GCSE maths, IGCSE has been difficult traditionally. This is due to the end-of-course examination system. But, due to the GCSE reform, there has been omission of coursework from a number of GCSE subjects making it easier than IGCSE.

Conclusion:

Hopefully, the blog has been useful to point out the differences between IGCSE and GCSE. Now you can choose any one of them according to your preference and set your first step towards higher education.

What to Read Next:

• List of Exam Boards UK
• What Happens if You Miss a GCSE Exam?
• How To Get Maths GCSE Quickly
• GCSE Maths Formula Sheet – All Formula with Explanation
• How to Revise for GCSE: Best Ways to Revise for GCSE (Step by Step Guide)
• What are GCSEs? Everything you need to know
• Edexcel GCSE Maths Specification – A Comprehensive Guide

The post IGCSE vs GCSE: What are the Differences & Which is Harder? appeared first on Lead Academy.

So, what GCSE do you need to be a lawyer? The answer awaits right in this blog! Read the blog thoroughly.

What GCSE do you need to be a Lawyer?

There is no specific set of GCSEs that one must have for studying law in the UK. However, aspiring lawyers are recommended to have a minimum of five GCSEs, including Level 4 or C grades in English, Maths and Science. These subjects help to develop important skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.
Apart from the required GCSE subjects, the other GCSEs needed to be a lawyer in UK are some Humanities subjects like History, Geography and Modern Foreign Languages like French or Spanish.

University of Law Entry Requirements:

The law degree entry requirements for universities in the UK are-

• 48 UCAS Points from a maximum of 3 A Levels, or equivalent qualifications
• A minimum of five GCSEs with a grade C/4 or above, including English, Maths and Science.

Online Law Degree:

If you are wondering whether there is any online option for your law course, there actually is! You can now study law online which carries the same weight as the in-person degree.

The online law degree takes the same time to complete as the in-person degree. If you are concerned about getting a job, know that most of the law firms do not have any specification on the format of the degree required. Typically, a minimum of 2:1 is needed to progress during the application process.

How Long do the Courses Take?

The time required to complete law courses at university depends on the level of degree and whether you are studying part-time or full-time. To earn an undergraduate law degree, you need to study a minimum of three years and full-time. There is sometimes an option for law students to study further for a year and graduate with an honours degree.
Some universities also offer law undergraduate courses on a part-time basis. These courses take significantly longer time to complete than the usual full-time programme.

For the postgraduate qualifications, the time-period again varies depending on the particular law course and whether the course is studied part-time or full-time. A master’s degree in law usually takes around two years while graduate diplomas take less time.

Jobs for Law Graduates:

As per Prospects, “First-year trainee salaries in regional law firms range from £20,000 to £40,000. High street firms typically offer training salaries of £20,000 to £30,000.” If you are wondering what jobs you can get with a law degree, well, there are lots of career options available for a law graduate. Some of them are-

• Solicitor- Provides legal support and advice to commercial and personal clients.
• Barrister- Provides legal advice to solicitors and other clients.
• Lawyer- Provides legal advice to clients on criminal or civil law and represents them in legal proceedings.
• Conveyancer- Works with property law.
• Paralegal- Supports lawyers in their work.

Besides these, a law undergraduate can also think of alternative careers outside law. For example, they can choose to work as a political advisor, development officer, teacher or a journalist.

FAQs:

What jobs can you do with a law degree?

There are plenty of options for fresh law graduates who are curious about careers with a law degree. They can either serve as a paralegal, solicitor, lawyer or barrister with their legal degree.

What are the qualifications needed to be a lawyer?

The route to be a lawyer in the UK is pretty long. At first you need to complete a qualifying law degree (LLB) for sitting the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Then you need to complete the two-year Professional Skills Course. The last stage is ensuring a two-year law training contract in a law firm.

What degree do I need to become a lawyer?

You need to study for an undergraduate degree for three years to become a lawyer. You can either choose an LLB or BA/BSc.

How many years do you need to complete your law degree?

If you study a full-time law course at any university or accredited law school, you would need three years to complete the law degree. You would need more time if you study the course part-time.

What to do after graduating from law school?

This would depend on personal preferences, however; the majority choose to practise in law firms. Others might opt for clerkship under the guidance of a judge or pursue an advanced degree.

Conclusion:

Hopefully, the blog was useful for those who want to be a lawyer. If you were confused about which GCSEs to choose for pursuing your career as a lawyer, you have got your answer. So, what’s next? Start your journey today to pursue your dream career!

The post What GCSE do you need to be a Lawyer? Law Degree Tips Included appeared first on Lead Academy.

But, when is actually the most awaited result day? You can find it right from this blog. Let’s jump into the details.

When is GCSE Result Day 2023:

The GCSE result will be published on Thursday, August 24, 2023.

Students can receive their results from their respective schools from 8 am and the schools usually receive the result the day before it is published.

If any student is unable to receive their result in person, schools usually inform the students through posts or phone calls.

What to carry on your GCSE Result Day?

You might want to be on the safe side on your GCSE result day and that’s why you should carry the following things

• Photo identification
• Pen and paper
• College or sixth-form paperwork
• Cellphone

Though the above mentioned things are not mandatory to carry with you and your teachers should be able to help you to get your result, it would be wise if you check with your school/college for specific procedures.

Appealing GCSE Grades:

If any student is not satisfied with their result or thinks that there has been a mistake with the marking of an exam, they can appeal to see the exam paper and get checked by another examiner.

The exam boards like Edexcel, OCR and AQA allow the appeal to be submitted within 30 days of the results. However, appeals need to meet specified criteria and it is often the head of the test centre or school administration who should submit the appeal.

The last day to request for appealing GCSE grades is Friday 28 September 2023.

GCSE Resits 2023:

Students can attempt to retake any exam if they wish or receive a grade lower than a 4 in English or Maths. GCSE English and Maths resits will take place in November 2023. For the rest of the subjects, students need to wait for the next summer series in 2024.

The last date for GCSE resit entry is Wednesday 4 October 2023. The GCSE resit results day will be Thursday 11 January 2024.

Exam Board that Publishes Grade Boundaries within Result Day:

The GCSE grade boundaries are typically published on the result day, just around the same time when the result comes out. The grade boundaries are published on the exam boards’ website.

The exam boards that publish grade boundaries within the result day are-

• AQA (Find out the grade boundaries here.)
• OCR (Find out the grade boundaries here.)
• Edexcel (Find out the grade boundaries here.)

FAQs:

When is the GCSE and A level results day 2023?

The GCSE result day 2023 is Thursday, August 24 and A level result day is just a week before, on August 17, 2023.

Who can resit GCSEs?

Anyone can resit for the GCSEs. However, the students who have failed to achieve at least a grade 4 (former C) in GCSE English and Maths must resit for GCSEs. Also, if any student wants to improve their grades, they can retake the GCSEs.

How many times can I resit for GCSEs?

You can resit for your GCSEs as many times as you want. There are no restrictions for retaking GCSEs multiple times.

What are the average GCSE grades in the UK?

The average GCSE grades in the UK typically lie between grade 5 and grade 6.

When is the AQA results day for GCSE 2023?

The AQA results day for 2023 is Thursday, August 24, and is the same for all the boards across the UK.

What is the pass mark for GCSE English 2023?

For GCSE English, you need to earn a minimum of grade 4 to pass.

What is the pass mark for GCSE Maths 2023?

The pass mark for GCSE Maths is grade 4 or C.

What is a pass in the GCSE exam?

A student needs to achieve a minimum of grade 4 for a ‘standard pass’ and grade 5 for a ‘strong pass.’

What happens if you fail GCSEs?

You can always retake your GCSEs if you fail the exam. You can retake your GCSE Maths and English in November and other subjects in the following year’s summer session.

How can I appeal for GCSE grades?

If you have any doubts regarding your GCSE grades and want to appeal, you should appeal to the exam board through your school. The exam boards do not accept appeals directly from the students hence, someone from the school administration needs to make the appeal. You can check Joint Council for Guidelines (JCQ) for guidance on appealing GCSE grades.

Conclusion:

As the GCSE results day 2023 is knocking on the door, all the examinees might be passing sleepless nights! Hold on tight, this is the first step toward building your future. Your hard work and efforts would not go in vain. Best of luck to all of you!

What to Read Next:

• AQA GCSE Grade Boundaries for All Subjects (2019 to 2023)
• GCSE English Grade Boundaries – Language & Literature All Boards
• What GCSE do you need to be a Lawyer? Law Degree Tips Included
• GCSE Chemistry Grade Boundaries 2019 to 2023 – All PDFs
• GCSE Physics Grade Boundaries For All Boards – PDF Download

The post When is GCSE Results Day 2023? GCSE Exam Results Publish Date to Note appeared first on Lead Academy.

But, what happens if you miss a GCSE exam? We have explained everything in detail for your convenience. Give this blog a read!

What happens if you miss a GCSE Exam?

Stop panicking! You don’t need to worry so much! Missing a GCSE exam is not the end of the world! You will be able to resit GCSE if you have missed the exam for a valid reason like sudden illness, bad weather and family circumstances.

But, if you were unable to take the exam for a silly reason like waking up late, you will fail the exam.

What happens if you are ill for a GCSE Exam?

The schools have become accustomed to dealing with illness-related absences mostly post Covid. If you miss an exam due to sudden illness, whether it’s Covid or any other illness, inform your school as soon as possible that you won’t be able to attend the exam.

If your illness does not require any hospital treatment, you will need to contact your local GP surgery to obtain a medical certificate. This will prove that you are genuinely ill.

If you fall ill on your exam day at the examination centre, speak with someone as soon as possible.

What happens if you miss a GCSE exam due to weather disruption?

Your school may call off the exam and reschedule for a later date if there is any extreme weather condition.

If the exam goes ahead but you are unable to make it to the GCSE exam centre, the centre may arrange for you to take the exam in a different venue closer to your location. If that is not possible, you have to retake your exam at a later date.

What happens if you miss a GCSE exam due to personal reasons?

There can be unforeseen personal circumstances on the day of your GCSE exam making you miss the exam unfortunately. But, you may still be able to obtain a grade for the exam. If your personal circumstances are deemed as “acceptable” by the exam board, your grade will end up being a combination of your mock exam grades and some grades from your coursework.

If you end up taking the exam but dealing with unforeseen personal circumstances at the same time, you can apply for “Special Consideration,” where a small percentage (1%-5%) will be added to your final result to boost your grade.

However, the GCSE exam boards need to be convinced that your personal circumstances had a detrimental effect on your exam performance in order to be considered for special consideration.

What do you have to do if you miss a GCSE Exam?

The first step should be notifying your GCSE exam centre. Ideally, your school is your exam centre if you are not a private candidate.

Try to contact the exam officer through a phone call. If the officer is unreachable via call, send an email to be on the safe side. Your centre would then inform the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and possibly the exam board. They would also advise you on what to do next.

After checking all the circumstances carefully, JCQ will notify whether you qualify for ‘special consideration’ or not. You will be eligible for a percentage of your current grade in the subject you missed the exam for if you are granted special consideration. However, if you are not granted special consideration, you will fail the exam.

Wait! Do not come to a conclusion yet! You can still apply to retake the GCSE exam.

What is a Special Consideration?

“Special consideration” is the grant given to the students to have additional marks in the subjects in which they have missed the exam. The grant depends upon the timing nature and how acceptable is the student’s circumstances.
The following shows how much grant is given in case of special consideration-

• A 5% grant is given to the student who has the most exceptional cases. The grant of 4% is given to the student who does have a very serious problem.
• The grant of 2% is given to the student who has the most common cases.
• The grant of 1% is given to the student who has minor problems due to which they were not able to give the GCSE exam.

FAQs:

What happens if you fail GCSE?

If you fail GCSE, you will have the opportunity to retake the exam. You can either retake the subjects individually or take the entire exam, depending on your individual situation.

When do you take your GCSEs?

In the UK, students mostly study GCSEs in the Year 10 and 11 and take the exam at the end of year 11. The students are typically between the ages of 14-16. However, anyone of any age can take GCSEs in a wide range of academic or work-related subjects.

What happens if I miss a GCSE exam?

If you miss your GCSE exam, you can always retake it. When you miss the exam for any unprecedented event, under special consideration, you get a percentage of your current GCSE grades in the subjects you missed the exam for. However, if you miss the exam for waking up late, you will fail the exam and need to retake it.

What happens if you miss a mock GCSE exam?

Typically, you get to resit the mock GCSE exam at a later date If you miss the exam. Missing these exams does not affect your actual GCSE results.

Can I resit my GCSEs?

Yes, you can always resit your GCSEs. If you have not achieved your desired GCSE grades or failed to achieve a minimum of grade 4, you can resit GCSEs as many times you want.

Conclusion:

Missing a GCSE exam can be like a nightmare of your life; even the thought itself can be daunting. Prepare at your best to avoid any unwanted incidents. If you still miss your GCSE, you can always retake it.

What to Read Next:

• How To Get Maths GCSE Quickly
• IGCSE vs GCSE: What are the Differences & Which is Harder?
• List of Exam Boards UK
• Edexcel GCSE Maths Specification – A Comprehensive Guide
• GCSE Maths Formula Sheet – All Formula with Explanation
• AQA GCSE Exam Timetable 2023 & Key Information
• GCSE Grade Boundaries – All Boards 2022-2023

The post What Happens if You Miss a GCSE Exam? appeared first on Lead Academy.