Users' perceptions of the GCSE

This paper arises from a research project funded by the Joint Council for t he GCSE which investigated users' perceptions of the GCSE. User groups comp rised teachers, further education lecturers, students, parents, school and college governors and employers. The paper considers the style and philosop hy of the GCSE, and discusses perceptions of its value, organization and ap propriateness. In particular, it looks at the extent to which users believe the GCSE has achieved its aims of examining a balance of knowledge, unders tanding and skills; providing a challenge for students of all abilities; an d being relevant to life outside school. The paper suggests that: the GCSE is regarded as an important qualification, but that it cannot perform concu rrently all the functions that users are claiming for it. Areas where tensi ons exist are discussed.