On the subject of pupils taking fewer GCSE exams, Mr Dodd added: The whole accountability system is changing and they will focus on GCSEs in eight subject areas. Candidates won't be doing 12 GCSE's, as some have done in the past, because the whole accountability system will drive candidates to do fewer subjects..eachers will be able to choose between two papers for their pupils: higher maths, which offers pupils a pass at grades 4 to 9, and a less testing paper, which offers only grades 1 to 5.