This course is for you, if:
Improve your CV with a course that is widely recognised as the world’s most recognisable qualification. GCSE English can be a stepping stone to further or higher education, a fulfilling career and a better future.
You will be introduced to a range of texts: Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing: A range of literary century fiction texts. Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives: a range of non-fiction texts, which might include: autobiographies, biographies, diaries, letters, travel writing and leaflets.
You will have opportunities to develop your critical thinking skills that encourage genuine enquiry into different topics and themes. The course will develop your reading skills, enabling you to understand and analyse a wide range of different texts covering the 19th, 20th and 21st century time periods, as well as to write clearly and accurately using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures. Personal response is key to this course and focusing on the effect of all these techniques is central.
Besides the work you complete in class, you should also plan to do at least another hour or two of additional study. Some of this will involve reading short stories, novels, newspapers, magazines or anything else that will help you to become more familiar with the different styles of writing and use of language. This enables you to be aware of the ways in which writers use language for different effects.
The course encourages independent reading. There will be a range of work in class, including discussions, group work and individual work, with an equivalent time spent on personal study and homework, including using online resources for additional support. In the event of having to work remotely, we also deliver lessons via Skype/ Zoom.
The most important tool that all of our students have at their disposal is their teacher. You will receive regular feedback on your work and mock assessments to help you prepare in time for your exam and pass with the highest mark possible. In class and through additional workshop lessons, you will get valuable guidance through any trickier parts of the course. You will also have regular tutorials, where you will be given guidance on areas you need to improve on- this helps you to get the most from your course and constantly improve your skills.
Spoken Language Assessment:GCSE English includes a Spoken Language assessment, which takes the form of a presentation in class and responding to questions.
Written Exam (June- dates to be confirmed)There are two exam papers. Each paper consists of Section A (reading and analysing language) and Section B (extended writing question).
Paper 1: (50% of GCSE) Section A: Reading: You will get one literature fiction text. Section B: Writing: You will write a descriptive or narrative piece of writing
Paper 2: (50% of GCSE) Section A: Reading: You will get one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text to read, and you will need to compare these two extracts. Section B: Writing: You will write to present a viewpoint e.g. write a speech or the content for a letter or an article.
You will be required to sit a one-hour initial assessment, so that we can identify the level you are currently working at. This will consist of a 30 minute online assessment and a writing task (30 minutes maximum).
A GCSE teacher will then then review the work you have submitted and let you know if this course is suitable for you. If you are not ready for GCSE, we may be able to offer you a place on a Functional Skills course.
If English is your second language, you should already have completed ESOL English up to level 2.
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college. We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
To contact our dedicated Learning Support team email [email protected] or head to Live Chat
View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.