GCSE English

You'll study a variety of text-types, including fiction, drama, poetry and non-fiction. Some texts will be chosen by the exam board and some will be selected in class. Texts will include a Shakepeare play, magazines, newspapers and internet sites.

You will develop different types of writing, including autobiographical, imaginative, persuasive and informative, as well as reviewing or analysing written texts or video performances. You will also work on your spelling, punctuation, planning and presentation.

The course provides opportunities for you to develop your confidence and competence in speaking and listening. This is achieved through pair and group work across a range of situations and activities, and to a variety of audiences (this will make up 20% of the final mark).

• You need to be a native English speaker, or fluent in English if it is your second language.
• Your reading and writing levels will be assessed to ensure this is the right level course for you.

You'll take the GCSE English exam at the end of the academic year.

If you started at the beginning of the academic year and took the Functional Skills exam, you will take the remaining parts of this exam at the end of the year also.

On successful completion of the course, you'll achieve a GCSE English Certificate (Higher Tier, Grades A-C), and, if relevant, a Functional Skills English Certificate (Level 2).

You can then progress to a range of Access to Higher Education courses or other Level 2 courses.