means a test where the questions are read out to the students, either by the teacher, or on a tape.   It is used in Languages, and in Maths to test mental arithmetic.

is work done during the two-year course which counts towards the final grade.

are designed for students who are not yet ready to take GCSE in that area. They may lead on to GCSE or GNVQ later.

General National Vocational Qualification is an alternative to GCSE.   Intermediate GNVQ is at the same level as GCSE.

is that students studying GNVQ are working on topics from an area of employment, like business or computer work, whereas GCSE concentrates on the traditional subject areas like Maths, English, History and so on.  GNVQ is also tested differently; students have got to prove that they can do a task by doing it and providing evidence that they have done it, though they also sit some exams like GCSE.

is a vital part of all courses. Students must study at home as well as at school if they are to do well. As a minimum, students should have one hour’s homework a week in each subject. Many students do much more.

is the process by which teachers check that they are awarding marks which are fair and in line with those awarded in other schools.  Teachers mark each other’s work first, and then a sample of work is sent away to be marked by the exam boards who can move all students’ marks up or down.  In some cases, like Art or Languages, an examiner visits the school and checks the marking personally.

means that the teaching is organised in modules, or sections of work, usually on a topic (like “Forces” in Science).  There is often an exam at the end of the module which counts towards the final grade.

is made up of the subjects that the Government has insisted that students in schools must study.  It has recently been changed to give students a bit more choice, but it still sets out what must be taught in all the main subjects.

is another word for the collection of coursework that a student completes. It can be pieces of writing or, in the case of Art, pictures or sculptures.

mean levels of entry for exams.  In most subjects there are 2 tiers; Higher and Foundation (or lower), but in some there is only one tier.