Can you change from Foundation to Higher Tier at GCSE?

GCSEs are a very important part of your life and thus making the right decision while choosing the subject is important. GCSE is mainly divided into two types-Foundation and higher tier. Though both are beneficial for you, you must know the foundation and higher tier and also whether you can switch between both tiers or not.

Quick Takeaways

• In the foundation tier, you can get grades up to 5. Whereas in the higher tier, you can get a grade up to 9.
• Of course, you can change to the higher tier from the foundation tier if you want to. 
• All you need to do is to be in contact with the respective subject teacher.

However, you must read till the end so that you do not miss any crucial facts related to the change of the foundation tier to the higher tier.

What is the foundation tier in GCSE?

The foundation tier is the one in which you will get the content much less and easier than the higher tier in GCSE. In this tier, you can get grades up to 5. However, to pass this exam you will need to get more marks. You will find multiple-choice questions and short questions to answer in this type of exam.

What is the higher tier in GCSE?

The highest tier is the paper in which you will find tough and more content than the foundation tier. You will be studying the same content as in the foundation tier along with some complex topics. In this type of exam, you can score grades up to 9 and can need fewer marks to pass. Though there will be long answer type questions in this type of exam. If you have resit for your GCSEs, you must try to shift towards the foundation tier, so that you do not do worse in the resit. Try taking up GCSE mocks, so that you do not get fail any of the exams.

Can you change from foundation to higher tier at GCSE?

Yes, you can change from the foundation tier to the higher tier if you want to. All you need to do is to contact the respective subject teacher. This is because only your school has the right to change it. Although you must consider that when you are shifting towards the higher tier, you will get more tough content. This means you will need to study even harder to clear the exams. However, you must know the starting date of the GCSE exams so that you can make the changes accordingly.

How can you change from a foundation to a higher tier at GCSE?

As already mentioned you will need to be in contact with the respective subject teacher so that he/she could know you are thinking of shifting towards a higher tier. Though you must consider the fact that you will have to study the tough content in it. Once you inform your teacher she would guide you if you should change it or not.

Once you tell your subject teacher, they might tell you the procedure of your school. Although every school has its procedure, most of the schools will ask you to submit an application for changing the type of tier. In addition to it, you may need to bring the consent form from your parents. You must also study hard as you do not want to fail the GCSE exams or try taking up some easy subjects.

What is the difference between the foundation and the higher tier?

As we have already discussed, the foundation tier in the GCSE is the one in which you will be studying less content than the higher tier and you must remember to take the best GCSEs. As the content is easier in your foundation tier your teacher may complete the syllabus more easily. You can score higher grades (6-9) in your higher tier whereas you can score low grades (1-5) in the lower tier. In addition to that, you will have to answer short and multiple-choice questions in your foundation tier. However, in your higher tier, you will need to answer long questions.  

Is it better to take up a foundation or a higher tier?

As we have discussed the difference and know what exactly foundation and higher tier at GCSEs are, it is time to know if you should take up the foundation or higher tier. When you are deciding which subject to take in which tier, it is important to consider various factors. You must decide whether you can take a tough curriculum or not, what type of questions you go best with, and the last in which career field you want to go.

Depending upon the various factors you will need to decide which one is better for you. Though you must try to take up the higher tier in the subjects that are related to your career. Your employers and the university you want to get into will want to look for higher grades in the subject you are thinking about making the career.

Is it easier to pass the higher or foundation tier?

The content of the curriculum in the foundation tier is definitely easy and less when compared to the higher tier. But does it really mean that you can easily pass it? Maybe not! This is because you are of the passing level needed to get the passing grade. To get a C grade in the foundation tier, you will need to clear at least 70% whereas to get a C grade in a higher tier you will need to get 30% in it. Thus for clearing both exams, you will need to study equally. The only thing is that you can get more time for revisions in your foundation tier. Also, there are IGCSEs, that are internationally acceptable.

Conclusion

GCSEs are a very important factor in deciding the A-level you are taking and getting admission to the university of your choice. GCSEs mainly have two types of exams-foundation and higher tier. The Foundation tier usually has less content to study when compared to the higher tier. Although if you have taken the foundation tier exam but want to switch to a higher tier, then you can do it by reaching out to your subject teacher. They might ask you to give an official application or may ask for the parent’s consent.

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