BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

Do you need to update your CV? Did you not achieve your English qualification through school? Are you 19 years old or over?

This is a one year course that will enable you to take the GCSE exam in June* 2021.Classes will start online. You must be able to join in with ‘Google Meet’ or ‘Google classroom’ at the time the course takes place. You will need a device to access the lessons and WIFI. 

When possible the class will move to face to face provision at Parkside Community College.

 The course is assessed via two final exams, which cover: Reading of texts (50%), Creative Writing (20%) and Persuasive/Transactional Writing (20%). It is also necessary to give a presentation or speech. Please follow the link to the specification for the Welsh Board paper here: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/english-language/gcse/

Please note: as with all new-style GCSEs, grades A* – U have been replaced with levels 9 – 1. There is no tier for English GCSE so all grades are available. A Level 4 is a ‘standard pass’ (equivalent to the old grade C); a level 5 is a ‘good pass’.

Each week regular homework will be given which is directly linked to the class session and completion of this will enable you to make sense of the class work and for you to prepare for the exams. Good organisation will help you to get the most from the course. You will need to keep notes, be able to proofread and check writing tasks for errors and to speak in front of others in an assessed environment. Classes are informal, and work very much on a communal basis where all are invited to share their viewpoints and ideas.

This is a challenging exam and you must already be proficient at correctly using punctuation, grammar and spellings.

The course runs the whole year, including school holidays.

A full schedule of confirmed dates will be given on the first session

You will need to attend tuition sessions on some Saturdays, the dates which have been agreed with the teacher but may be *subject to change are:-

 5th Dec / 9th Jan / 6th Feb / 27th Mar / 15th May

PLUS 20 hours mandatory online content

GCSE English is expected to take between 120 and 140 hours of study – you will attend taught classes for 105 hours, and complete an additional 20 hours mandatory on-line content and the remaining hours are delivered through set homework tasks which will be marked and are a compulsory part of the course. It is vital that you can access the

internet (with sound) regularly in order to access your learning materials. Some of you will need to spend more time self-studying to bring your skills up to the required level.

To gain an ESFA funded place you will need to complete an assessment of eligibility, undertake an initial diagnostic assessment and are required to complete the appropriate enrolment form. Funding is linked to 90% attendance and completion of the on-line content and set homework tasks. Failure to meet these criteria means that funding is withdrawn and you will be liable for the full cost of the course. During the first two weeks you will be assessed through the lessons and by homework to confirm that a GCSE qualification is attainable. Weekday sessions are 2.5 hours long, Saturdays are 5 hours long.

PLEASE NOTE: The final GCSE exams will take place during the day at Coleridge Community College. The dates are published by the exam board and all candidates must sit the exam then – Due to Government changes dates will be confirmed at the beginning of the course – expect to book leave / holiday from work / childcare as needed for the exam dates.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE NEEDED?

Candidates should have studied English to Functional Skills Level 2 or have a recent GCSE Grade D (or equivalent). Please speak to the office if you have O-levels / CSEs or qualifications from outside the UK. All learners are required to complete an initial assessment / screening of English levels prior to enrolment on the course – please telephone the office on 01223 712340 to make an appointment.

If the assessor feels this course is not suitable in the initial assessment period they will signpost learners to alternative, more appropriate courses. 

ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR EXAMS / LEARNING DIFFICULTIES:

The exam board has very specific requirements for those who need access arrangements for exams (additional time, laptops, modified papers). It is your responsibility to inform us at your initial assessment. Failure to do this may delay the application with the exam board (please note such arrangements are only granted for 3 years).

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the whole year course you will have the opportunity to:

• Take the GCSE Exam in English Language
• Express yourself well when speaking
• Structure and plan your writing effectively
• Read actively and critically, reading for meaning and subtlety
• Increase confidence when reading and engaging with a range of different texts.

FOR THE FIRST SESSION YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:

Pens, pencils, highlighters, A4 lined paper and a ring binder

EXAMINATION FEES:

Examination costs will be included in the cost of the course.

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To gain an ESFA funded place you will need to complete an assessment of eligibility, undertake an initial diagnostic assessment and are required to complete the appropriate enrolment form. Funding is linked to 90% attendance and completion of the set homework tasks. Failure to meet these criteria means that funding is withdrawn and you will be liable for the full cost of the course. You will be assessed through the lessons and by homework.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No previous experience required. All learners are required to complete an initial assessment / screening of Maths levels prior to enrolment on the course – please telephone the office on 01223 712340 to discuss.
This course is funded by the ESFA, regular attendance throughout the length of the course is required.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course you will have the opportunity to:
develop skills and understanding which will help you feel more confident in using numbers for everyday things like money, time, distance, shape and position.
improve your use of numbers, measuring and handling data.
develop the skill of ‘Representing’ : select the mathematics and information to model a situation
the skill of ‘Analysing’ : process and use mathematics
develop the skill of ‘Interpreting’ : interpret and communicate the results of the analysis
review your progress regularly with the tutor and individual progress will be monitored and recorded on regular basis through the use of ILPs, tutor notes and feedback.
assess your progress through a functional skills qualification / assessment.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

None

For the first session you will need to bring:

Notebook and pen

Examination Fees:

You will be required to sign a form agreeing to exam dates. Fees are only incurred if you do not attend exam dates as agreed.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Progress to a post Level 2 Maths course (maybe GCSE); at the end of the course you will be given one-to-one information and advice as required, to ensure that appropriate progression routes are clearly identified.
The Adult Learn and Train office is also able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.