GCSE History  The joy that is GCSEs...ah, the best days of your
life!  GCSEs used to be known as 'O' levels, ask your dad!
However, GCSEs, which are also known as General Certificate of
Secondary Education to the boffins, are exams which are taken by
most students when they are 16 years old - introduced about 10
years ago.  More or less everyone has to do these, whatever you
want to do in the future. GCSE results, and the range of
subjects taken, can have an impact on future choices in
education, and in some cases career.  Most places, including
colleges, and prospective employers treat grades A*, A, B and C
as 'passes'.  You can take GCSEs in the sixth form at school, in
sixth form college or at a further education (sometimes known as
tertiary college).  If your results were not as good as you
expected, or you wish to try new subjects, you can 'retake' or
study for GCSEs alongside GCE AS or A2 examinations. You can
also take GCSEs alongside a GNVQ at advanced, intermediate or
foundation levels.  Some people