English Language GCSE

Exam Board: WJEC Fast Track: N/A Daytime: Cheltenham and RFD Evening: Cheltenham and Gloucester Exams: Unit 1 Studying Written Language 1 hour 20% Unit 2 Using Written Language 1 hour 20% Unit 3 Controlled Assessment: Literary Reading and Creative Writing 4 hours 30% Unit 4 Controlled Assessment: Spoken Language 5 hours 30% Where will this qualification take me? With successful completion of 5 x GCSEs at Grade A* to C including English Language and maths you will be entitled to progress onto an AS programme. This is an essential qualification for employers and further education alike. The skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening are of vital importance in most areas of life. They are essential in many careers and underpin successful study at all levels. This qualification will help you to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices and to use language to participate effectively in society and employment. What will I be doing on the course? During this course you will undertake a variety of interesting speaking and listening, reading and writing tasks to help you to develop your skills and gain a C Grade or above at GCSE. From analysing chat show interviews to discussing topical issues, this course will give you the knowledge and opportunities to ensure your English skills will be developed to the required standard. “It’s an interesting course and the atmosphere is a lot more relaxed. Everything is explained thoroughly.” “Teachers are more encouraging, class sizes are smaller and you get more one to one tuition.”

For full time students the course will form part of a larger programme of study which consists of timetabled sessions, enrichment activities, work experience and private study time. To achieve this a student will normally be asked to select from columns of the 6th Form matrix in each year of study. If a student falls below this programme requirement they may be classed as part time by some external agencies and may be required to pay fees for their tuition and/or exams. Please check with the tutor at interview that the subjects you have selected form a full-time programme. Every full time 6th Form student will have a personal tutor and will study a tutorial programme. The tutor will be responsible for the pastoral care of the student and for the tracking and monitoring of their progress on the course. This subject can be selected on its own for part time study for which tuition fees may be payable (please consult Student Services for fee concessions). Part time students may also be required to pay exam fees. You may have the opportunity to go on trips during the year. A small charge will be payable for these visits.

Students should already have achieved 5 GCSE's at grade D or above including English Language and Maths, and show an interest in the subject, or have been accepted on to the Step-up course at RFD

Progression from GCSEs will normally be to AS Level (or equivalent vocational course) or to employment. Progression from AS Level will normally be to A2, and then on to employment or Higher Education

96.4% GCSE pass rate in June 2012 with over 40% A* - C in English and Maths

Naomi GCSE English student Despite having to leave education 12 years ago due to her health, Naomi, 26 from Gloucester has completely turned her life around with the help of Gloucestershire College and has achieved an A* in her GCSE English exam. “I chose to study at Gloucestershire College as it was local and provided the evening course I wanted which fitted in with my situation. The college also appeared to be very supportive, kind and helpful. I am completely over the moon, relieved, pleased and on a rollercoaster of emotions. I enjoyed everything about the course and my teacher was great. She has really pulled my confidence out of me and I can’t thank her enough. I would say to anyone who is in a similar situation to me and wanting to study to just do it and take the first step. I was surrounded by a great support network at the college and it has really helped to set me up for the future. It was a brilliant experience.”

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details