GCSE English and Functional Skills

Overview

  • Adults (Part-time)

Details

Will the course give me what I want? 

Course content

The course aims to improve your writing, reading and oral communication skills. You will read a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts, developing skills in language analysis, evaluation and comparison. You will also practice writing in a range of different styles, for different audiences and purposes, including creative writing and transactional writing. You will also develop your spelling, punctuation, vocabulary and grammar, and work on your speaking and presentation skills. 

Once you have applied for our English evening course, you will be given an Initial Assessment, which aims to determine whether or not your current knowledge and skills are sufficient to enable you to achieve a grade 4 or above at GCSE with us in one year. For those not yet ready for GCSE, Functional Skills lessons at the appropriate level will be made available to prepare you for enrolment onto the GCSE programme. This decision will be made by our dedicated and professional teachers once you have completed the Initial Assessments. 

What have students who have taken this course in the past progressed to? 

Achieving a grade 4 or above in GCSE English or a pass in Functional Skills can open up a wide range of new opportunities including promotion at work and university or further study. In addition, you will acquire skills which you can apply in many aspects of your every-day life including reading for pleasure, writing emails, understanding contracts, applying for jobs, writing your CV, and presenting your ideas for a varied audience.  

How will I learn? 

Through classroom based activities, such as teacher-led instruction, group work and presentations, with additional homework and regular assessments. 

How will I be assessed? 

GCSE is assessed through a final exam only. There is no coursework and there is only one opportunity to take the exam in the summer exam series. 

Functional Skills is assessed through three elements: reading exam, writing exam, and speaking & listening assessment. There are usually two opportunities to sit the exam throughout the year. 

Equipment and other costs

None.

What qualification do I get on completing this course?

GCSE or Functional Skills.

Is there additional work required by the student?

A significant amount of commitment is required to succeed on this course - with only one lesson at College per week, a considerable amount of self-study and homework is expected.  

Entry Requirements

What qualifications or skills do I need to show I have before I can enrol? 

For GCSE, you will need to have gained a grade 3 or a grade D in English Language at any point in the past, or you will need to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills by taking an initial assessment. 

For Functional Skills, you do not need any prior qualifications; you just need to complete an initial assessment so we can determine which level is most suitable for you.

Expected prior knowledge 

None.

English level 

See above.