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* 2022.
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.
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’.
This course starts in September 2021. 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, including school holidays. Weekday sessions are 2.5 hours long, Saturdays are 5 hours long. There will be (up to) 30 evening sessions and five Saturdays.
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:- 13th November 2021, 4th December 2021, 5th February 2022, 19th March 2022, 21st May 2022.
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, face to face in centre 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 may be necessary to change to live streaming at times subject to government advice/COVID guidelines. To participate in online classes, you will need an email address, a reliable internet connection, a computer/laptop/tablet with fully updated browser. Your device will need a microphone, and preferably a camera.
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 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

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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