About This Course

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

This course will develop your skills in spoken and written English as well as introducing you to literary study.  The course is divided into three areas of study:

Expressing yourself effectively in spoken English.

• Taking part in discussions and drama focused activities
• Delivering short presentations
• Learning to listen effectively

Reading and understanding a variety of texts.

• Responding to different types of media, fiction and non-fiction texts
• Distinguishing fact from opinion
• Analysing how writers use language in different ways

Developing skills in written English.

• Writing for different purposes and audiences
• Using appropriate grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Learning to organise your writing

HOW IS THE COURSE TAUGHT?

The course is delivered through a combination of classroom activities and private study. You will spend 2 ½  hours a week in the classroom and spend a similar amount of time studying on your own. The self- study part of the course is very important and you should make sure you have the time available in order to complete the course successfully.


HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The course is assessed by a combination of coursework and exams.

Coursework
Coursework is divided into two parts: written work and oral work.

The written coursework is worth 20% of your final grade and is produced
throughout the year. It will include four pieces of writing:

Personal writing - for example a story, imaginative diary, play script etc
Personal writing -for example a magazine article, a discussion essay or report etc.
Response to prose - an exploration of five or six short stories or a novel
Response to Shakespeare - an exploration of a Shakespeare text.

The oral coursework is worth 20% of your final grade and is produced throughout     the year. It will include a range of tasks based on the following themes:

Participating in discussion
Describing and narrating
Analysis and imagination

Exams
The exams are worth 60% of your final grade and are taken at the end of the course.

There are two exams lasting 1 hour 40 minutes and 1 ½ hours respectively.

Both exams test reading and understanding as well as your ability to write effectively.


WHAT QUALIFICATION WILL I ACHIEVE?

You will achieve  the AQA certificate in GCSE English.


WHEN WILL I ATTEND ?

Wednesday 6.30 - 9.00pm


HOW MUCH WILL THE COURSE COST?

Full fee - £35 (no discount fees)


ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS?

You will need to provide your own file and writing materials. You will also need course text books;  you may choose to buy these yourself or,  for a small  returnable deposit, you will be able to borrow books from the College for the duration of the course.


WHAT NEXT?

The College is committed to helping our students progress to other courses. Our Level 2 and Level 3 Access courses provide opportunities for further study and for progression to University.  Please contact college for further details.


WHO CAN I TALK TO FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR ADVICE?

Our College Services Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about enrolling on this course. If you require more detailed information you can speak to the Programme Manager, Sue Holdsworth.
If you are uncertain about the type of course that would suit you best you should contact the college and ask to speak to one of the EASA (Education Advice Service for Adults) team.