Easiest GCSE Subjects to Get a 9

Are you struggling to choose your GCSE options? Are you not sure which ones might be right for you? Maybe you have questions like, ‘What if it’s too hard?’ or ‘What’s an easy GCSE?’ Perhaps you’ve already started your GCSEs and want some reassurance that you’ve chosen the right ones.

In this article, we will give you all the facts about the best GCSEs to achieve a grade 9 and how to pick the easiest GCSE subjects for you. 

Easiest GCSE Subjects to Get a 9: Ranked

The Top Ten Easiest GCSE Subjects

1. Chemistry 

2. Biology & Physics 

3. Computer Science 

4. Religious Studies

5. History

6. Geography 

7. English Lit, Food Prep & Nutrition, PE, Business Studies, Psychology, Sociology

8. Maths

9. English Lang

10. Combined Science/Double Science

Remembering a few key things when looking at this list above is important.

Firstly, some schools may determine which students take subjects such as the separate sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) by only allowing the more academically able students to sit these GCSE subjects; this will skew the data and make it incomparable to other subjects. 

All students in the UK must take maths, English (at least one), and the sciences (combined science or the separate sciences). This means that the data above for these subjects represents every student’s ability across all schools. In contrast, option subjects (such as religious studies, history and geography) include only those students who really want to study those subjects. This will impact how students perform in these subjects and their dedication to revision and exam practice.

When choosing your option subject GCSEs, make sure you really enjoy the subject, as this will help you maintain your motivation and performance in home learning, class assessments and ultimately your GCSE exams in those subjects. 

Most schools will require you to take around nine GCSE subjects, and every school differs in the subjects offered. So it is likely you will have to settle on some subjects that might not be your favourites. In this case, think about your skills - are you good at sitting exams? Or do you prefer project-based learning like coursework? Do you prefer practical style learning, or are you better at remembering facts and writing essays? Your teachers and tutors should be able to direct you to the subject best suited to your skills. 

Avoid choosing your GCSE options based on which ones your friends are doing; this will not work out for you when trying to learn the subject, revise and sit the exams. It is always best to choose your GCSE subjects based on your own preferences and skills. 

Easiest GCSE Subjects by Pass Rate

The single sciences (biology, chemistry and physics) take top place again. This is likely due to the majority of schools selecting the most able students to take these subjects. The very nature of this selection means that these subjects will have the highest past rates. It is therefore important to consider a range of factors when comparing pass rates across different subjects. 

Conversely, combined science (double science) takes up last place. As previously discussed, this data is majority made up of students who are possibly less academic (i.e., they were not selected for single sciences) and so will achieve lower grades. 

The remaining subjects are all very similar in their GCSE pass rate, alluding to the fact that every GCSE has its challenges and easier parts.

Other Factors That Make a GCSE “Easy”

There is no single ‘easy GCSE’. There are so many factors to take into consideration, including whether they’re exam or coursework led, the learning style of the student and whether schools allow all students to take the subject or not. The availability of teachers can also impact how easy or difficult a GCSE appears to be.

Exams versus Coursework

Some subjects are 100% exams, such as maths GCSE or science GCSEs. Others have a proportion of the overall grade attributed to coursework. Subjects that include coursework include food preparation and nutrition, PE and the arts (music, art, and drama). Whether a subject is 100% exam-based or has coursework means that different students will be suited to these subjects. For example, if you are not good at time management or independent learning, then a coursework-based subject may not be right for you.

Practicals versus Written Assessments

Assessment can come in different forms, such as a practical or written assessment. Practical assessments are required in GCSEs such as food preparation & nutrition and PE. The sciences have a set of required practicals that all students are expected to carry out, although assessment of these practicals is through terminal exams. Other subjects are 100% written assessment through exams, such as maths and English literature. When choosing your GCSE subjects, it is important to think about whether a practical assessment is suited to your learning styles and skills. 

Personal Interests and Academic Strengths

Every person has a unique set of skills and strengths. This individual skill set should be considered when choosing GCSE subjects. Are you good at time management? Are you creative? Do you enjoy research? Do you learn through being practical? Are you musical? Do you enjoy reading? Take some time to think about your skills and strengths, and assess which subjects and learning styles you would be best suited to. Avoid picking your GCSE subjects based on your friend’s skills, strengths and interests, as this may lead you to struggle throughout your GCSEs, leaving you with grades that don’t reflect your true abilities.

Subject Combinations

Considering subject combinations is another important factor when choosing your GCSE subjects. If you pick options that are entirely coursework-based, check the deadlines - is there a clash between subjects that will leave you cramming in three lots of GCSE coursework projects in one term? Some subjects naturally complement each other, but again, depending on your skills. If you like writing essays, then history GCSE may work well alongside English literature or religious studies. If you enjoy learning about the natural world, then biology may sit well with geography. Or if your thing is people and society, then consider psychology and sociology. Avoid choosing GCSEs based on what you think will be easy and with the least effort. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Taking Easier GCSEs Affect University Applications?

Taking ‘easier’ GCSEs will not directly affect university applications. Universities will be looking at a range of factors, including your GCSE results, A Level (or equivalent) results, any volunteer work you have been involved in, your extracurricular activities and your unique skills and strengths. Each university and subject will have its own set of criteria, so it is worth investigating this before choosing your GCSEs (and A Levels) if you know the career path you want to take. 

Can I Just Pick Easy GCSEs?

There is no single easy GCSE. Every student will find each GCSE challenging for different reasons. What may come naturally and easily to you may be a huge learning hurdle to someone else. Think about your own academic strengths and abilities rather than trying to work out what an ‘easy’ GCSE is.

Should I Pick an Easy GCSE Even If I Don’t Enjoy It?

GCSE subjects should be chosen based on academic strengths, interests, learning styles and a student’s unique skill set. Each GCSE is 120–200 hours of learning. Some subjects may have just one lesson a week, while others may have 10 lessons a week. Ask yourself if you want to spend that time studying something you don’t enjoy. The answer is probably no!

What Are The Easiest Exam Boards?

Each exam board is regulated by an independent organisation called the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). This means that every exam board has the same set of criteria for their specifications so that each is equivalent to the other. This means that there is an equal level of challenge within content and assessment style across each exam board. Schools will choose the exam board based on several criteria, and this is not something the students or parents/carers will have any control over. 

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References

Data and figures sourced: Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) CIC 

Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation: Ofqual