English language GCSE

This intensive English Language GCSE course at City Lit is designed for adults aiming to strengthen their reading, writing, and analytical skills to a nationally recognised standard. Through the exploration of diverse texts from the 19th to 21st centuries, learners will develop the ability to interpret, critique, and craft written content with clarity and precision. The course also enhances spoken communication and grammarprof...

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Choose a starting date

Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

  • Start Date: 10 Sep 2026
    End Date: 27 May 2027
    Thu+Sat (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 40 sessions (over 38 weeks)
    Course Code: AC103
    Full fee £617.00 Senior fee £0.00 Concession £0.00
  • Start Date: 11 Sep 2025
    End Date: 28 May 2026
    This course has started
    Thu (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 48 sessions (over 38 weeks)
    Course Code: AC103
    Full fee £599.00 Senior fee £0.00 Concession £0.00

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

Book your place
In stock
SKU
249629
Full fee £617.00

What is the course about?

Our GCSE English Language course, accredited by AQA, is designed to develop your reading, writing, and analytical skills. The course covers a wide range of texts from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, helping you to read, understand, andanalysevarious forms of literature and non-fiction.

Important Notice for Prosp1ective Students

Enrolment process:

Please note that enrolment on this course has a 2-stage process.

  1. A written reading and writing initial assessment

  1. A short 10-15-minute interview with one of our assessors.

This process is important as the course is demanding and requiresa high levelof commitment. We want to ensure that you are well-prepared and can achieve your true potential.

Funding eligibility:

Students are eligible to completeonly oneLevel 2 qualification for free, either GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2. If you choose to complete Functional Skills Level 2 first, you canNOTthenproceedto complete the GCSE for free.

What will we cover?

Course Structure:

  • Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing

Duration:1 hour 45 minutes

Weighting:50% of the total grade

Sections:

Section A:Reading one literature fiction text

Section B:Writing a descriptive or narrative piece

  • Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives

Duration:1 hour 45 minutes

Weighting:50% of the total grade

Sections:

Section A:Reading one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text

Section B:Writing to present a viewpoint

  • Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language

Requirement:One presentation/speech, including responses to questions and feedback

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

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

  • Read and Understand Texts: Analyse and interpret a wide range of texts from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, including literature and non-fiction.

  • Write Clearly and Coherently: Produce clear, coherent, andaccuratewriting using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.

  • Develop Critical Thinking: Evaluate and compare writers' viewpoints and perspectives across different texts.

  • Enhance Creative Skills: Use narrative and descriptive techniques to engage readers in your writing.

  • Present and Communicate Effectively: Deliver a spoken presentation, responding to questions and feedback confidently.

These skills will not only prepare you for further academic pursuits but also equip you with essential life skills for future employment.

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

The GCSE English Language course is aLevel 2 qualification, suitable for students working towards this level. It is designed to develop essential skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking.

Basic Literacy Skills: You should be able to read and write at a basic level.

  • Commitment and Motivation: The course is demanding and requires dedication and consistent effort.

  • Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyse texts and understand different viewpoints.

  • Communication Skills: Willingness toparticipatein discussions and present ideas clearly.

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

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment workboth independently and collaboratively with others.Your course will be taught onsiteatthe college with the following datesfor mock exams and 6revision sessionswhich take place on a Saturday twice a term.The Saturday sessions are to prepare you for your mock exams and in Term 3 the final exam.

Mock 1-10/11/26

Mock 2-4/3/26

Revision sessions:

Term 1 21/11/25 =Saturday 10am-1pm AND 28/11/25 = Saturday 10am-1pm

Term 220/02/26 =Saturday 10am-1pm AND 27/02/26 = Saturday 10am-1pm

Term 3 20/03/26 =Saturday 10am-1pm AND15/05/26 = Saturday 10am-1pm

Google Classroom is an essential part of your learning, course learning material,communicationand independent learning is accessed via this platform.

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

This course is free for learners who have not achieved a GCSE grade C (4) and higheror Functional Skills Level 2in English.You will need a pen, some lined A4 paper and a folder to keep your work in. Your tutor will provide handouts and worksheets.

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

Completing a GCSE in English opens the door to a wide range ofLevel 3 qualifications, such as:

  • A-levels(e.g. English Literature, Sociology, Psychology, Media Studies)

  • Access to Higher Education Diplomas(ideal for adults returning to study and aiming for university)

  • Undergraduate degreesin fields like English, Education, Journalism, or Social Sciences

  • Foundation degreesorHigher National Diplomas (HNDs)as stepping stones to full degree

  • Apply foradministrative, retail, or customer service roles

  • Qualify forapprenticeshipsin areas like business, healthcare, or digital marketing

  • Improve yourCV and interview skillsbydemonstratingstrong communicationabilities

Ifyou'reinterested in education, this qualification is a key step toward:

  • Becoming aTeaching Assistant

  • Training as anAdult Literacy Tutor

  • Pursuing aPGCE(Postgraduate Certificate in Education)in the future

We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.