Where will this course lead?

This course will provide you with a recognised GCSE qualification in English Language. There are opportunities for progression once you have completed this course depending on whether you wish to improve your employability or progress onto other courses. It will provide you with more confidence and skill in reading, writing and presenting your ideas orally.

What will I study?

Reading Fiction - one text from the 20th or 21st Century. How texts are written to have impact upon you as the reader and to draw you in. 

Writing a narrative story or description from a picture. 

Reading non-fiction - two linked texts, one from 19th Century and one from the 20th or 21st Century. What are the viewpoints of the writers? How do the texts compare? What methods have the writers used?

Writing your personal viewpoint based on a given statement through either an article, letter or speech. Linked to this will be your spoken language presentation where you will be given opportunity to give your personal viewpoint on a topic and discuss with the rest of your class.

How will this course be delivered?

The course is delivered through a two and a half hour taught session each week. There will also be a requirement for students to commit to a minimum of two hours private study per week. (Fast track version is a three hour taught session per week).

What qualifications will I get?

GCSE in English Language 

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by two examinations at the end of the course: 

· Paper 1 (Fiction) Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing - length of exam 1 hour 45 minutes 

· Paper 2 (Non-fiction): Writers' viewpoints and Perspectives - length of exam 1 hour 45 minutes 

You will also complete a Spoken Language assessment in class. 

Throughout the course you will complete a series of progress checks to check the progress you are making and prepare you for the exams at the end of the course.

How do I get a place on the course?

Enquire through the college website and enter your details. After you have done this, you will be sent a short questionnaire to complete. Once you have been allocated a place on a course, you will be invited to enrol.

What are the entry requirements?

A real drive to achieve and commitment to working hard. This course is not a basic course in English but intended to follow the national curriculum for Secondary Education in English Language. The first initial assessment check will help you to assess if this is the right course for you. You will need to attend every lesson.

What else do I need to know?

Currently GCSE Maths and English are both funded by the government so there should be no fees unless a student already has a grade C/4 and is trying to achieve a higher grade. * exclusions apply 

Solihull College & University Centre offers full time and part time courses for businesses and residents in Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Coventry Warwickshire and the whole of the West Midlands. 

If you have a learning difficulty or disability or other support needs please let us know when you book your diagnostic assessment. If you qualify, other support is available during the course and the final examinations. 

*If you have already achieved a C/4 or above, a fee of £856 (subject to change) will apply. 

This information might change depending on government safety advice to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission. The College will strictly adhere to the government advice current at the time.

This course will run subject to a minimum class size.

What can I do after this course?

GCSE English is an entry requirement to a large range of courses and employment.