Gcse In English Language – Fast Track – Part-Time Day

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

This one year ‘Fast Track’ course is suitable for those who require a GCSE in English at grade 4 (C) or above to progress to further study on College programmes such as ‘ACCESS to Higher Education’, or for those who plan to study at degree level, since the great majority of universities now expect applicants to have a good GCSE in this subject.

For many 16-18 year old Full time learners, the College’s Functional Skills English course will be more appropriate.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

This is an intensive GCSE programme, and entrants are therefore required to have already achieved GCSE English at grade 3 (D), or to possess an Adult Literacy or Functional Skills English qualification at level 2. You will also need to complete an entry test to a satisfactory standard and to attend an information session before you can be offered a place on this course.

Full-time students who apply for Fast Track GCSE English need to be studying a main qualification at level 2 or above.

If you are not sure about the suitability of this course, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

This course will encourage candidates to develop:

• Understanding of the spoken word and the ability to express themselves effectively in a variety of contexts, such as giving and asking for information and taking part in debates.
• The ability to read, understand and respond to a variety of writing and the ability to describe, explain and argue with clarity and precision.

COURSE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended:

• Collins College Dictionary and Thesaurus
• Don Shiach, Basic Grammar
• Don Shiach, Basic Punctuation
• Michael Temple, Basic Spelling

BOARD AND SYLLABUS

AQA GCSE English 4700

ASSESSMENT

Your overall mark will be based on:

Controlled assessments carried out at various points as the courses progresses, (40%); consisting of:

• a written response to literary texts studied in class, including one original piece of writing, based on personal experience, and or fiction
• 3 listening and speaking tasks (20%)
• One external examination (60%); consisting of 2 hour one paper, to test understanding of media texts and writing skills.

HOW WILL I LEARN?

You can study the GCSE English as part of a full time study programme, or as a part-time course for 3 hours a week. You also need to be able to commit to doing between 4 and 6 hours of self-study per week.

You will be encouraged to learn independently as well as in groups, using a range of tools such as computers, textbooks and videos.

WHAT CAN THIS COURSE LEAD TO?

A grade C or above in GCSE English is a requirement for most level 3 courses, ACCESS to Higher Education. It is also part of the entry criteria for the great majority of university courses, including nursing and social work.