English GCSE

Extend the range of your reading, writing and speaking abilities. This qualification can help you improve your job prospects or meet the entry requirements for teacher training. Call us on 020 7492 2610 to make an appointment for an interview and initial assessment. For pre-GCSE courses contact Skills for Life on 020 7492 2511. THIS COURSE IS CLOSED FOR 2011-2012.

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Key course information

Dates
21/09/11 - 06/06/12

Day(s)
Wed

Duration
33 weeks

Time
10:30 - 15:00

Fees
Full fee: £337
Senior fee: £206
Concession: £35

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
AC101*

Availability
Contact department

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol. Please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some of the course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover this with you.

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course is for you if you want to extend the range of your reading, writing and speaking abilities. It will enable you to gain a qualification either to improve your job prospects or to meet the entry requirements for a teaching qualification. It follows the AQA adult syllabus and the qualification is gained through a combination of coursework and examination.

What topics will we cover?

- speaking and listening skills: giving and understanding information; expression and response; group
discussion; developing vocabulary; oral presentations
- types of writing: autobiography; creative writing; argument; persuasion; analysis
- writing skills: sentence structure; spelling; punctuation; paragraphing; developing vocabulary
- reading: a broad range of non-fiction including media texts; autobiography; texts from different
cultures and traditions; argument, persuasion and analysis; a novel; a Shakespeare play and a
selection of poetry
- reading skills: comprehension of surface meaning and underlying implications; evaluating what is
being said and how the writer manipulates the reader; understanding unusual words, images and
figures of speech.
.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- read and discuss a variety of texts with confidence and understanding
- express yourself clearly orally and in writing
- gain an English GCSE qualification.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

English GCSE is a level two qualification. Although there are no formal entry requirements for the course, you will need to be able to read and respond to straightforward texts and communicate information and opinions clearly in writing.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Classes will consist of skills input from the course tutor, discussion of reading materials, debates, writing exercises, student presentations and small group work. The teaching will be activity-based and there will be regular coursework assignments which will be assessed by the course tutor and will contribute towards your final grade. In the final term, classes will mainly consist of exam preparation.
Learning and dyslexia support are available through the Learning Centre.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Accreditation (exam) cost is included in the course fee.
You will need to buy copies of the set text and Shakespeare play although there should also be copies available in the library. Videos of the Shakespeare play can be watched in the Learning Centre. A substantial amount of course material will be available in photocopied handouts but you will need to supply of A4 paper, pens, a folder for assignments and any other appropriate stationery.
If you are on a low income you may be able to apply to the Access Fund for help with the costs of the course (e.g. fares, books, materials). Help with childcare costs is also available. Phone the City Lit Information and Advice Shop on 0207 492 2500 for more information.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions. Please contact the department to find out if places are available.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. You will get regular written feedback from the tutor on the work you hand in.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The course can be a self-contained educational experience. English GCSE is also a useful basic qualification that may be required by an employer. It could also give you the confidence to apply for a higher level course in further education, such as an Access to Higher Education programme, an A level or a vocational qualification. For anyone wanting to do a B.Ed. Degree or PGCE, English GCSE is one of the entry requirements.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2610

freshhorizons@citylit.ac.uk

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
21/09/11 to 06/06/12	Wed	10:30 - 15:00	33 weeks	£337	£206	£35	AC101	Contact department	» Select
21/09/11 to 06/06/12	Wed+Sat	18:00 - 21:00	32 weeks	£310	£310	£35	AC102	Contact department	» Select
22/09/11 to 07/06/12	Thu	18:30 - 21:30	33 weeks	£310	£310	£35	AC103	Contact department	» Select

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