Modular International GCSEs

Pearson Edexcel is the only awarding body to offer a modular route for International GCSEs as an alternative to the linear assessment route. 

A choice of linear or modular assessment 

International GCSE success is different for every student. Doing all the assessment at the end (linear) works well for many, but we know that spreading the exam pressure works better for others (modular).

So, you can now choose a modular route for many of our International GCSEs. The linear journey remains exactly as it is, two years of study with exams at the end. Modular International GCSEs break the journey into units with an exam at the end of each unit, when the student feels prepared and ready. Whichever route you choose, the exams take the same amount of time, teachers spend the same amount of time teaching, and everyone has the best chance of success at international GCSE.

​Talk to us about offering modular exams in your school

Take a look at new course materials for modular assessment

Student working on a modelling project

How modular International GCSEs work

Units can be assessed in any exam series

In the modular route, there are no restrictions on students taking units together; all units can be treated separately, and they can be taken in any International GCSE exam series.​

No time limits to the qualification

Students can take and re-sit individual unit assessments in any series. This means students have more opportunities to get feedback to improve their performance and get the grades they need to progress.

Students 'cash in' unit results when ready

Once a student has all their unit results for the qualification they are taking, they 'swap' those for a grade – this is called 'cashing in'. To cash in, all units must have been entered.​