As a GCSE and A'Level teacher- I have mixed feelings about course work. Yes, in a way it is great as it encourages students to do independent research. Sadly though, it is strongly biased towards students from more middle-class background, as parents have the books, skills and contacts to help with such research - or pay support teachers after school to help with such. I have often been asked to coach students to 'help' them with projects- and asked to correct them so they get a high mark. Same for students from private school where teachers help students during prep and after school.
In Switzerland for instance, any such project has to be done in school time in the library or class-room, to avoid the above.
A'Levels now are indeed very different, and often much better. For instance if you learn a foreign language- you need to develop a good understanding of the culture, political systems, specific environmental and social issues- and be able to debate them effectively, both in writing and orally, and to be able to read and listen to current newspaper articles, radio interviews, etc. Much much better than Ye Olde literature and grammar only.