Course code
ADGCENG
Select ‘GCSE English’ at application and an adviser will contact you to discuss a suitable start date.
Why study this course?
Many adults looking to progress, academically or professionally, are now required to have a Level 2/GCSE qualification in English Language. To pass this qualification learners are required to attain grade 4 or above, therefore meeting the minimum required standard for employability.
Course content
The course will follow the AQA specification for GCSE English.
This course will allow study up to Grade 9 (previously A*).
The course will be taught via one session per week. Lessons may take place across any of our 3 campuses: Shenstone, Whittingham or Coombs.
You will be required to complete regular assessments in order for us to track your progress.
The course will be assessed via a single examination in Summer 2023. This comprises two papers – Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing (fiction), and Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives (non-fiction).
Please note: examinations for this course are externally set and there is no degree of flexibility in changing this. You might be required to attend your exam on a day/time that is different to your lesson. All exam dates will be given to you in advance, once communicated to us by the exam board.
There is also a separate speaking and listening endorsement, where you will be required to present on a topic of your choice. This is marked as pass, merit or distinction and does not contribute to the overall GCSE grade awarded at the end of the course.
It is assumed that students will need to carry out a minimum of 3 hours independent study each week in order to embed material covered in lessons.
Entry requirements
You must hold a GCSE English qualification at Grade D/3, or a Functional Skills English qualification at Level 1.
Other applications will be considered on an individual basis following an initial skills assessment.
All students take an online diagnostic assessment. The diagnostic will identify strengths and areas needing support. Dependent on this assessment it may be that decided the GCSE course is not suitable, in which case an alternative course will be offered where possible.
The diagnostic test is taken prior to the start of the course and takes about 1 hour.
You must be 19+ to apply for this course.
Materials
Writing materials and an exercise book/folder will be needed.
Any GCSE revision guide will support this course but purchase of textbooks is not essential as we will provide all necessary resources.
Day, time and duration
Morning – Thursday 9:30-12pm
Afternoon – Tuesday 1pm-3:30pm
Evening – Tuesday 6pm – 8:30pm and Wednesday 6pm-8:30pm
Start date
Daytime – Tuesday 20th September
Thursday 22nd September
Evening – Tuesday 20th September
Wednesday 21st September
Fees
This course is free for any adults who do not already have a grade 4 (grade C) in English Language.