GCSE English

GCSE English

What is English GCSE?
English GCSE is a qualification that proves you have achieved a certain standard in speaking, reading and writing the English language. A grade C (or above) is required for most advanced or higher level courses in all subjects and many jobs.

Is English GCSE suitable for me?
Students enjoy taking part in the close study of texts, the variety of class activities and in seeing their own progress.

Students are expected to take complete responsibility for the production of their own work. This does not mean however that your tutors simply set work and abandon you until the submission date. You will be expected to work closely with your tutor, seeking individual help when necessary, conducting research in the college library and using the college†s extensive IT resources to produce your coursework. There will often be a choice of assignment and tutors will discuss texts with you to try and avoid studying books you may have looked at before. The aim is to help you achieve your potential and no effort will be spared to achieve this.

How will I learn?
In lessons, you will read and discuss media, non-fiction and literary texts. You will produce pieces of creative writing such as descriptions and stories. You will also practise practical writing tasks in various forms such as essays, articles, letters and reports. You will be encouraged to identify any errors in your technique and helped to correct them. There will be many opportunities to develop oral skills in a variety of class situations, including plenty of discussion work in small or larger groups. In the last term of the course you will study and make your own marginal notes in a booklet of reading materials to prepare you for the exam which uses those texts.

How will I be assessed?
Coursework, half of it written and half of it oral, will represent 40% of your final grade. You will submit four written pieces adding up to a minimum of 2000 words. These will be examples of personal writing (fiction and non-fiction) and responses to literature including a Shakespeare play and small selections of work by one pre-twentieth century writer and one modern writer. The grades for three different oral assignments will also be submitted. The assignments set will allow you to demonstrate your ability to: explain, describe, narrate, explore, analyse, imagine, discuss, argue and persuade.

60% of your final grade will be assessed by two examinations of two hours each on separate days. Overall, there will be six questions: three comprehension plus argumentative, persuasive and analytical writing. The questions will be based on the short passages from the Media, non-fiction writing and literature from other cultures that you will have studied with your teacher.

Progression
A high percentage of our students over the last few years have successfully gained their grade C or above and gone on to A levels, vocational A levels, Further and Higher Education. It has helped others to gain training places and employment.

Students have enjoyed the confidence gained from improving their English.

OEStudying English GCSE has been fun and I now have a lot more confidence in my basic written English.

OEThe English GCSE course has been most enjoyable. At first, I was very apprehensive as I had not done English since being at school 21 years ago. The teacher was very supportive and made me feel at ease with the subject.

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own texts, stationery, computer disks and calculators (where appropriate).

Costs: There are no additional costs.

If the cost of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: AQA Specification B: 3703