Getting ready for English Language GCSE

What is the course about?

This course is for anyone who already has a good level of English but wishes to prepare thoroughly before attempting the GCSE qualification course. The course will mirror the accredited GCSE but at a slightly lower level. You will read and be assessed on challenging texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. You will focus on content, structure and the quality of language. The texts will range across different genres and types and will support you in developing your own writing by providing effective models.

What will we cover?

This course prepares you to for the AQA English Language GCSE course next year. We will cover some or all of the elements of the GCSE accreditation but in less detail and at a slightly lower level. Which of these we focus on most will depend on the learning needs of the students.
• read with good understanding a wide range of texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, including literature and literary non-fiction as well as other writing such as reviews and journalism
• read and evaluate texts critically and make comparisons between texts
• summarise and synthesise information or ideas from texts
• use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve your own writing
• write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately
• use grammar correctly and punctuate and spell accurately
• acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
• listen to and understand spoken language and use spoken Standard English effectively.

More details of the English Language GCSE can be found here: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-language-8700/subject-content.

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

achieve some or all of the following:
• have sufficient reading and writing skills to be accepted on a year long English GCSE
• have a level of English to work and study in a range of institutions
• read fluently and respond to a wide range of texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, including literature and literary non-fiction as well as other writing such as reviews and journalism
• read and evaluate texts critically and make comparisons between texts
• summarise and synthesise information or ideas from texts
• use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing
• write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately
• use grammar correctly and punctuate and spell accurately
• acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
• listen to and understand spoken language and use spoken Standard English effectively.

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

This course is for learners who wish to progress to an accredited English language GCSE course next year. You will need to have the English skills at least of functional skills level 1 and will need to complete an initial assessment before being accepted on the course. You should already be reading English fiction and also have some analytical skills. You also need to be able to commit to attendance every week and have the time, means and dedication to work outside the classroom.

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

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment. The tutor will help you discover rules and features of English. You will work on your own and with other students. You will learn in a step by step manner so you can complete challenging tasks in enjoyable and relaxing ways. Your tutor will also work with you individually so you know how to improve. You will need to do work outside the classroom and use Google Classroom to help you.

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

The most important thing to bring is your dedication, enthusiasm and commitment! You will also need a lined A4 writing pads, pen, a folder for assignments and any other appropriate stationery. You will be expected to maintain a course folder of handouts and your assignments. You will also submit work through Google Classroom so you will need access to a computer.

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

Successful completion of the course and achieving the appropriate level will mean you can progress to the English language GCSE course.
• Introduction to English language GCSE
• English language GCSE

There are many other courses you can do before, at the same time or after this course as part of your journey towards GCSE+ level English. These include:
• Getting ready for English Functional Skills (level 2)
• English Functional Skills (Level 2)
• English communication skills - for life and work (level 1)
• Develop your English: grammar foundation (level 1-2)
• A mile in my shoes: how to tell a story (level 1-2)
• Develop your English: reading, thinking, discussing (level 1-2)
• Develop your confidence in writing: sentence formation, grammar and punctuation in everyday writing (level 1-2)
• Develop your confidence in writing through grammar (level 1-2)
• Professional communication skills: how to make your writing clear, concise and organised (level 2)
• Professional communication skills: reading, analysing, and comparing data and text (level 2)
• Professional communication skills: effective verbal communication in the workplace (level 2)
• Professional communication skills: effective written communication in the workplace (level 2)
• Professional communication skills: business writing from memos to storytelling (level 2)

There also many maths, employability and digital skills courses you can do. Ask your tutor or contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / (telephone temporarily unavailable) for more detail. These include:
• Maths functional skills (level 2)
• Maths foundation / higher GCSE
• Getting ready for maths GCSE
• Essential digital skills for the workplace: Word, Excel and PowerPoint (foundation-level 1)
• Business Administration: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access (intermediate-level 2)
• Essential digital skills for work (Level 1)
• Award in Digital and IT Skills: word-processing, spreadsheets, presentations and databases (intermediate-level 2).