What does "GCSE level 1" and "GCSE level 2" mean?

[StealthPolarBear]

Isn't a GCSE a GCSE?

In what context?

GCSE's are generally a 2 year course so if a college is publishing a timetable perhaps they may refer to each year as level 1 or level 2.

I'm meant to be summarising a document that is showing KS4 attainment

One of the indicators is 5+ A-C inc A-C GCSE English & Maths

then two others are:

5+ A*-C inc Level 2 E&M
5+ A*-G inc Level 1 E&M

I don't understand what the second two mean??

Thanks for your help

Level 1 is grades D-G
Level 2 is grades A*-C

Many subjects including English and Maths have two levels-Higher and Foundation.
Higher allows levels A* to D and Foundation C to G
Most schools will enter borderine C/D candidates for F level as they have more chance of an acceptable grade there.

But senua, then what is the difference between the first 2?

Um, don't understand the question SPB.
If you get grade G-or-above, then you are awarded a GCSE. However, employers and the like only really recognise grade C-or-above. So if you get grade G, F, E or D, you are awarded a GCSE and the school gets to count it in their statistics (as a Level 1). If you get grade C, B, A or A* then you get a GCSE that you can boast abount on your CV and the school gets to count it in statistics (as a Level 2 and, by default, a Level1)
Does that explain it better?

Do you mean what is the difference between
"5+ A-C inc A-C GCSE English & Maths"
and
"5+ A*-C inc Level 2 E&M" ?

If that is your question then I think that I share your confusion! Do they return different staistics?

It might refer to GCSE-equivalent courses such as ALAN (adult numeracy and literacy) that can be taken at level 1 or level 2.

Some courses are GCSE equivalents, could that be what it means?
My DS is heading for 9 GCSEs at A*-C Higher tier, and an ASDAN level 2 qualification which is equal to a GCSE grade....C I think.

xpost coastgirl.

Level 2 means GCSE equivalent, level 3 means A-level equivalent. I teach BTEC courses at both levels and am looking into doing a level 1 course with Y9 students.

Right, thank you all - that makes sense

Have a look here

Thank you!! Think I will print that out and pin it above my desk. Someone at work gave me something similar but it wasn't as clear/comprehensive