Course Name
GCSE English Language
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for adults (19+) who wish to gain a qualification recognised by employers and universities. It is ideal if you:
Need a Grade 4 (C) or higher for career progression or entry into Higher Education (e.g., Nursing, Teaching, Social Work).
Want to improve your communication skills for professional or personal use.
Are returning to education after a break and want to build confidence in reading, writing, and analytical thinking.
Progressing from completing a Functional Skill in English at Level 2
Entry Requirements
Attendance at a short interview and the successful completion of an Initial Assessment (IA) with the result being at Level 2.
What You Will Learn
Term 1 (Weeks 1-11): identifying and understanding explicit information Analysing how the writer uses language to achieve specific effects or convey meaning through language and structural techniques. Develop how to write a reasoned opinion, supported by detailed textual evidence and analysis of language and how to plan and write a piece of narrative and descriptive writing,
Term 2 (Weeks 12-22): Identifying specific pieces of information and being able to summarise the similarities or differences in ideas or information presented in texts. Understand how writers use language to achieve specific effects in conveying their viewpoint and analysing how this impacts on the reader. You will master the art of writing and communicating for different purposes , structuring speeches, letters, articles and leaflets and being able to spell and apply punctuation and grammar with confidence.
Term 3 (Weeks 23-32): Hone exam technique – practice timed writing tasks under exam conditions. Develop presentation skills for the spoken language endorsement.
How You Will Learn
Learning will be active, collaborative, and focused on strategy. Success in GCSE English is highly connected with attendance. You should aim for 100% attendance.
You will be expected to complete approximately 2 hours of homework per week, including reading practice and past paper questions.
We conduct regular timed assessments (mock exams) to ensure you are comfortable with the exam format before the summer series.
What You Will Need to Bring
Please bring a notepad, and pen to each session. You may wish to bring a file for any handouts. A laptop with internet access is useful for completion of coursework and home learning outside of the classroom but not essential.
How you will be assessed
The AQA GCSE English 8700 specifications is split into two main papers and a non-exam assessment.
Paper 1
Explorations in Creative Reading & Writing
50%
Paper 2
Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives
50%
Spoken Language
A formal presentation and Q&A session
Pass/Merit/Distinction
Where Next
For many adult learners, the GCSE is the "missing link" for university entry.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas: If you don't have A-Levels, an Access course is a one-year intensive program designed to get adults into university. Most Access courses (especially in Nursing, Teaching, and Social Work) require GCSE English.
A-Levels: You could move on to study A-Level English Literature or Language. This is a common route for those interested in journalism, law, or history.
University Degree (UCAS): Almost all UK undergraduate degrees require a minimum of a Grade 4/C in English Language to satisfy their entry requirements.
