GCSE English

Day

Course outline

GCSE English language will cover reading, writing, and analysis. Explore fiction and non-fiction texts, developing creative and analytical writing skills, and enhancing comprehension and communication abilities. Our GCSE English courses are taught by subject specialists and pace the lessons brilliantly to suit your needs.  

Entry requirements  

English at GCSE grade 3 or Functional Skills at Level 2. 

You must be aged 19+ to apply for this course. 

Future Progress 

• Further education
• Employment
• Apprenticeship 

What can it lead to? 

Achieving a GCSE in English can open up a variety of opportunities: 

1. Further Education:
2. • Progress to A-levels or other advanced qualifications. 
   • Meet entry requirements for many university courses 
3. Employment Opportunities:
   • Essential for many job roles, especially those requiring strong communication skills. 
   • Improves employability and can lead to career advancement. 
4. Apprenticeships and Vocational Training:
   • Meets the requirements for many apprenticeship programs and courses. 
   • Can lead to vocational qualifications in various fields. 
5. Practical Life Skills:
   • Enhances reading, writing, and communication skills useful in everyday life. 
   • Builds confidence in expressing ideas clearly and effectively. 
6. Personal Development:
   • Encourages critical thinking and analytical skills. 
   • Provides a deeper appreciation of literature and language 

What are the course outcomes? 

GCSE English Language 

1. Reading Skills:
   • Read fluently and with good understanding.
   • Analyse and evaluate texts critically.
   • Identify and interpret themes, ideas, and information.
2. Writing Skills: 
   • Write effectively and coherently using Standard English.
   • Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.
   • Organize information and ideas logically.
3. Speaking and Listening Skills: 
   • Communicate clearly and effectively in spoken language.
   • Use discussion to develop and present ideas.
   • Listen and respond appropriately to others. 

These courses are designed to build skills and fluency in English, preparing learners for real-world situations, further education, and employment. 

Who is the course aimed at? 

GCSE English is aimed at a broad audience, including: 

• Adult Learners:
  • Adults looking to improve their qualifications for personal development or career advancement.
• Further Education Applicants: 
  • Those needing a GCSE English qualification to meet entry requirements for further education courses, such as A-levels or vocational training.
• Job Seekers: 
  • Individuals seeking to enhance their employability, as many employers require a GCSE in English.
• Apprentices and Trainee Teachers: 
  • Learners in apprenticeship programs where strong English skills are essential.
• Parents and Carers: 
  • Those who wish to upskill so they can support their young people. 

This qualification helps develop essential reading, writing, and communication skills that are valuable in both academic and professional settings. 

Course content 

The AQA GCSE English Language (8700) course covers a range of skills and content areas: 

Course Content 

• Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing:
  • Reading: Analyse and evaluate a literature fiction text. 
  • Writing: Produce descriptive or narrative writing. 
• Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives: 
  • Reading: Compare and contrast one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text.
  • Writing: Write to present a viewpoint. 
• Non-Exam Assessment: Spoken Language: 
  • Presenting: Deliver a spoken presentation.
  • Responding: Engage in discussions and respond to questions and feedback.
  • Use of Standard English: Demonstrate effective use of spoken Standard English. 

This course aims to develop students’ reading, writing, and spoken language skills through a variety of engaging and challenging texts from different time periods and genres. 

How will you be assessed? 

Internally assessed via in class assessments followed by formal examinations. 

Assessment Structure 

• Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing 
  • Section A: Reading (one literature fiction text) 
  • Section B: Writing (descriptive or narrative writing) 
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes 
  • Marks: 80 (50% of GCSE) 

• Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives 
  • Section A: Reading (one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text) 
  • Section B: Writing (writing to present a viewpoint) 
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes 
  • Marks: 80 (50% of GCSE) 

• Non-Exam Assessment: Spoken Language 
  • Assessed throughout the course by teachers 
  • Separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE) 

Is there an interview? 

Yes 

Equipment Required? 

No kit required. 

Please note:  There will be an initial assessment and diagnostic test to gauge suitability.