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GCSE results: figures show slump in foreign languages and rise in computing GCSE results: figures show slump in foreign languages and rise in computing
(about 1 hour later)
The number of GCSE students taking modern foreign languages dropped significantly this year. A total of 302,500 took a language GCSE, compared with 321,000 last year and around 332,000 in 2013.The number of GCSE students taking modern foreign languages dropped significantly this year. A total of 302,500 took a language GCSE, compared with 321,000 last year and around 332,000 in 2013.
Entries for French were down 6.2%, German down 9.2% and Spanish down 2.4%. Grades for languages have improved, however, perhaps because brighter candidates are studying the subject.Entries for French were down 6.2%, German down 9.2% and Spanish down 2.4%. Grades for languages have improved, however, perhaps because brighter candidates are studying the subject.
Since 2005, French entries have dropped by 42%, while German has fared even worse, with a 49% fall. Spanish, however, has seen a 45.3% rise in entries since then.
The number of students taking computing and ICT has grown significantly. This year 35,000 students sat a computing GCSE, compared with 17,000 last year, and 65% achieved A*-C grades. The number of pupils taking ICT increased by 15% to nearly 112,000, 68% of whom got at least a C.The number of students taking computing and ICT has grown significantly. This year 35,000 students sat a computing GCSE, compared with 17,000 last year, and 65% achieved A*-C grades. The number of pupils taking ICT increased by 15% to nearly 112,000, 68% of whom got at least a C.
Maths was the most popular subject at GCSE again this year with 761,230 entries, up 3.4% on last year. Almost two-thirds of entries achieved at least a C grade – 63.3%, up from 62.4% last year.Maths was the most popular subject at GCSE again this year with 761,230 entries, up 3.4% on last year. Almost two-thirds of entries achieved at least a C grade – 63.3%, up from 62.4% last year.
Girls continued to achieve the top grades in English. More than 72% of girls got A*-C grades, up three percentage points from last year. Nearly 58% of boys achieved an A*-C grade, up four points. Across all candidates, the proportion obtaining an A*-C grade increased to 65%.Girls continued to achieve the top grades in English. More than 72% of girls got A*-C grades, up three percentage points from last year. Nearly 58% of boys achieved an A*-C grade, up four points. Across all candidates, the proportion obtaining an A*-C grade increased to 65%.
Overall, slightly fewer top A* grades were awarded this year, accounting for 6.6% of entries across all subjects.Overall, slightly fewer top A* grades were awarded this year, accounting for 6.6% of entries across all subjects.
Fewer students took design and technology and media studies, while there were rises of 5% in religious studies and nearly 7% in physical education.Fewer students took design and technology and media studies, while there were rises of 5% in religious studies and nearly 7% in physical education.