BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
Please note: There will be no class on Thursday 16th October (due to a school event)
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 May/June 2025:
The AQA English GCSE exam dates are: THURSDAY 21st MAY and FRIDAY 5th JUNE 2026
The exams consist of two papers, Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing and Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives. Both are worth 50%. There is also a non-examination assessment in spoken language.
It is also necessary to give a presentation or speech.
The funding is given to enable you to gain a grade 4 or above, within one academic year (equivalent to the old C grade). There is no tier for English GCSE so all grades are available.
This course starts in September 2024. Day and Time: Thursday 6.00 – 8.30 pm. Venue: Coleridge Community College.
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. Weekday sessions are 2.5 hours long, Saturdays are 5 hours long; attendance in the evening and on the allocated Saturdays is mandatory. There will be (up to) thirty evening sessions and five Saturdays.
A full schedule of confirmed dates will be given on the first session; we will do our best not to change any dates, but this occasionally happens due to unforeseen circumstances.
Saturday dates: 18th Oct 2025, 29th Nov 2025, 7th Feb 2026, 7th Mar 2026, 16th May 2026.
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 100 hours, face to face in centre and complete an additional 30-50 hours mandatory on-line/homework tasks which will be marked and are a compulsory part of the course.
Some of you will need to spend more time self-studying to bring your skills up to the required level.
The course is fully funded by Cambridgeshire Skills – full attendance is required. You will complete an enrolment form, so that funding can be applied for; you will also need to provide your National Insurance number and show a form of photographic ID (passport, driving licence etc.). Failure to meet these criteria means that funding is withdrawn and you will be liable for the full cost of the course.
PLEASE NOTE: The final GCSE exams will take place during the day at Coleridge Community College. The dates are published by the exam board (see above) and all candidates must sit the exam then – 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 provide the relevant supporting documents to the office if you require additional time or access arrangements for exams. Please note such arrangements are only granted for 3 years (by JCQ), and those granted by universities are not valid for GCSE exams.
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
FOR THE FIRST SESSION YOU WILL NEED TO BRING:
Black Pens, highlighters, A4 lined paper and a ring binder
EXAMINATION FEES:
Examination costs will be included in the cost of the course