Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, students need a general educational level equivalent to Level 3 of the Northern Ireland Curriculum or Entry Level 3 in the National Qualifications Framework to do this specification. They would find the following learning, skills and aptitudes helpful:

• basic proficiency in literacy;
• basic proficiency in numeracy;
• some aptitude for computers; and
• some motivation to work independently.

Yes, in any one examination series we do not allow students to take examinations on this specification if they are also entered for other GCSE Leisure and Tourism examinations.

Yes, in GCSE Leisure and Tourism students must demonstrate the quality of their written communication. In particular, they must:

• ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar are accurate so that meaning is clear;
• select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to their purpose and to complex subject matter; and
• organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate.

Examiners assess the quality of students’ written communication in their responses to questions or tasks requiring extended writing. The examiners assess quality of written communication within all assessment objectives and examination components in this specification.

We award GCSE qualifications on an eight grade scale from A*–G, with A* being the highest. If students fail to attain a grade G, we report their results as unclassified (U).

We report the results of individual assessment units on a uniform mark scale that reflects the assessment weighting of each unit. We decide on the grades by aggregating the uniform marks obtained on individual assessment units.

This specification provides opportunities for students to develop the following Key Skills:

• Application of Number;
• Communication;
• Improving Own Learning and Performance;
• Information and Communications Technology;
• Problem-Solving; and
• Working with Others.