01. Who is this course for?
This one year course is designed to prepare you for the AQA GCSE English Language qualification. You will cover a variety of writing styles, including non-fiction and creative writing, works from several major writers with well-established critical reputations and various speaking and listening activities. Our aim is to:
- Equip you with the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to acquire this nationally recognised qualification.
- Help you to read accurately and fluently as well as to understand, respond to and enjoy extended reading.
- Help you develop the ability to convey meaning in various written styles of English.
- Help you develop the ability to clarify and express ideas verbally.
Our 33 week course is delivered both venue based and distance/online learning.
Please NOTE: Attendance at 2 workshops and 2 mock exams are also requirements of the course.
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02. What will I learn?
This syllabus has been designed to develop knowledge and understanding of language, both written and spoken. Delivery is through a wide range of learning activities including: responding to both non-fiction texts and extended reading texts; writing for a variety of purposes; speaking and listening in a range of contexts.
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03. How will I learn?
Your progress and achievements will be recognised and recorded throughout your course in a number of ways: For example: Practical tasks; Written and verbal feedback from your tutor; Learner diary; Mock exams; Exam results from exams in June; No coursework is involved; Homework; and from your engagement with your tutor and classmates on the course in the sessions.
To support your learning, you will have access to: BKSB, GoLearn Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle). Plus, if you are studying maths, you will also have access to MathsWatch and MyMaths.
If studying online, you will be provided with a Microsoft 365 Education account which you will use to access GoLearn VLE (Moodle), MathsWatch and MyMaths (if studying maths).
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04. What will I need to bring?
A folder to store handouts and notes and a pen and pencil.
You may wish to purchase a copy of the set text/s for the course for your own study use, this will be discussed further with you by your tutor during the introduction to the course.
If you are enrolling for an online/blended learning course: It is important to check that you have suitable equipment and software and the digital skills to take part. You will need a laptop/PC or tablet computer, a good internet connection and be a competent user of IT. Smartphones are not suitable devices to use to study these courses.
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05. What skills or experience do I need?
This is a fast-paced, intensive course. It leads to 2 x one-and-three-quarter-hour exams in June, and a video-recorded speaking exam in the spring, so you need to be confident in your reading, writing and speaking skills. You will also partake in two mock exams.
PLEASE BE AWARE- All learners, both online/distance + face to face, will have to travel to a venue to complete their exams.
A recent Functional Skills qualification at level 2 is desirable but there will be an entrance test, including a short interview/discussion, for those wishing to join the course to ensure that it is the right course for you. To achieve the qualification in one year you must attend for 80% of the course and undertake a minimum of 2 hours personal study each week.
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06. How will I be assessed?
AQA GCSE English Language 8700
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07. What could I do after this course?
A level 2 qualification in English will enable you to access a higher education course.
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08. How will I be supported in my learning?
We aim to support all learners to succeed. Our tutors will work with all learners to meet individual needs by using a range of resources and teaching methods.
When you enrol on your course you will be asked if you have any additional learning needs or disabilities which may affect your learning. This might include physical disabilities, neurodivergent needs (e.g., Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia, etc.), visual and auditory impairments, or a medical condition which might affect your learning. Your tutor will contact you prior to joining the course to discuss what support can be put in place.
For some learners, this may mean organising extra time in exams or arranging for a Learning Support Assistant to support your learning in class. We also offer a wide range of assistive technology such as reader pens, screen readers, large print keyboards and screens, alongside in-class resources such as coloured overlays, large-print resources and more.
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09. Is help available with course fees?
Many of our courses are FREE to all learners. For fee-paying courses, if you are in receipt of state benefits or have a low income (£26,211.90 before deductions) you could be entitled to enrol on your course for FREE, or at a 70% Reduced Fee cost. If your course is accredited (working towards a formal qualification) your course may be FREE if you earn under £25,000 before deductions. Some exclusions apply, eligibility for fee reduction is subject to change, and you may be required to provide evidence of earnings.
If the amount you must pay for your course is over £50, we offer instalment plans which break down the cost of learning into a set number of easy monthly payments.
If you need help with the wider costs of study, such as childcare, resources, travel, and transport costs, you may be eligible to have these costs reimbursed through our Discretionary Learner Support Fund. Visit us online for more details, and to download the online application form.
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10. How do I choose the right course for me?
If you are unsure about which course may be right for you, our team of Learning and Work Advisers are on hand to offer FREE and impartial information, advice and guidance on learning and work options available to you.
To book your free, confidential, and impartial appointment, please call FREEphone 0800 988 0308 or email LALS.LWA@leics.gov.uk.
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