GCSE Learning for Life and Work (2017)
Following the Minister of Education’s announcement, on 6 January 2021, that all GCSE, AS and A2 exams due to take place in January, February, May and June will be cancelled, we are working to update our subject areas as soon as possible. In the meantime, should you have any queries, please email CCEA Helpline [email protected].
Please note: a Specification Addendum is in place for the 2020/2021 academic year for those candidates completing their course in Summer 2021. View Specification Addendum.
The CCEA GCSE Learning for Life and Work specification engages students to explore social, personal, economic and employment issues. Topics include diversity and inclusion, social responsibility, human rights and entrepreneurship.
The specification helps students to understand the connections between local, national and global issues. They develop confidence in thinking independently by critically challenging accepted views and assumptions. They also make informed decisions and take appropriate action.
Students also have opportunities to develop transferable skills such as creative thinking, analytical problem solving and effective teamwork.
This qualification enables students to progress to study subjects such as Business Studies, Health and Social Care, and Economics. It is also a good foundation for careers in business, finance, marketing, human resources and research.
There are three written exams, each worth 20% of the overall mark, and an investigation worth 40%.
This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Learning for Life and Work Area of Learning.
This specification is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment at the end of the first year of study.
The specification has four units:
- Unit 1: Local and Global Citizenship
- Unit 2: Personal Development
- Unit 3: Employability
- Unit 4: Controlled Assessment Task.
Current Specification
Skills developed through our GCSE Learning for Life and Work
This specification supports the Northern Ireland Curriculum at Key Stage 4 and gives students further opportunities to achieve their potential and develop skills for life.
This qualification links to the Cross-Curricular Skills of Communication, Using Mathematics and Using ICT at Key Stage 4. There are opportunities for group discussions and creation and interpretation of charts and financial information. It also links to the Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities, as students learn the skills of self-management, working with others and problem solving through group and individual work, for example by carrying out the controlled assessment task.
For more information on this specification contact:
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Qualification news & updates
NI Assembly Education Service resource
Published: 28/07/2020, 12:15pmRead MoreCCEA Learning Resources for Active Citizenship
Published: 17/06/2020, 9:00amRead MoreLesson Plans from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
Published: 20/01/2020, 12:00pmRead More
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