Course Summary
The GCSE English Language course equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in written and spoken communication. Over 32 weeks, you'll explore a variety of texts, from the 20th and 21st century. literature to contemporary articles, and develop your analytical abilities. Learn to craft compelling essays, persuasive arguments, and informative reports. To pass this course learners will need to sit examinations which are scheduled to be sat in May and June 2026. The tutor will share the exam dates as soon as they are published. There is no flexibility with exam dates and learners will need to plan to be able to attend. There is also a speaking and listening assessment. The tutor will schedule this during the class times for the course. This course is perfect for: Learners aiming to achieve a GCSE English Language qualification Individuals seeking to improve their communication skills for personal or professional development

Enrolment requirements
We regret we are unable to accept under 19s on most of our courses due to Education and Skills Funding Agency funding restrictions. You need to be 19 before 1 September 2025 to enrol. This means you will have been born on or before 31 August 2006. If you are under 19 years of age and would like to enquire about your eligibility to enrol on an adult learning course, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Before you enrol.
View the course info sheet via the link above for further information regarding the course, what you will learn, objectives and possible progression or career pathways. Alternatively, our team of Learning Advisors will be happy to provide you with information and discuss courses you may be interested in. Visit our website at www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk or contact us on 01752 660713 to make an appointment.

How do I enrol?
To apply for this course please go online at www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk and simply click on the 'How to Enrol' button and complete the Enrolment Form. Once completed one of our customer service team will be in touch. You will be invited to undertake an initial assessment to ascertain your levels of English and maths prior to entry on this course of study. If you have any questions, please call our friendly Learning Advisors on 01752 660713.

What will I learn?
Term 1 (Weeks 1-11): identifying and understanding explicit information Analysing how the writer uses language to achieve specific effects or convey meaning through language and structural techniques. Develop how to write a reasoned opinion, supported by detailed textual evidence and analysis of language and how to plan and write a piece of narrative and descriptive writing, Term 2 (Weeks 12-22): Identifying specific pieces of information and being able to summarise the similarities or differences in ideas or information presented in texts. Understand how writers use language to achieve specific effects in conveying their viewpoint and analysing how this impacts on the reader. You will master the art of writing and communicating for different purposes , structuring speeches, letters, articles and leaflets and being able to spell and apply punctuation and grammar with confidence. Term 3 (Weeks 23-32): Hone exam technique practice timed writing tasks under exam conditions. Develop presentation skills for the spoken language endorsement.

How will I be assessed?
Exam dates and times are fixed nationally each year. The tutor will share exam dates as soon as they are published. Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing. 1 hour and 45 minutes 50% of GCSE marks. Date: TBC May 2026 Time: TBC Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives. 1 hour 45 minutes 50% of GCSE marks Date: TBC June 2026 Time: TBC Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language. This is a teacher set assessment. Throughout the course learners will take part in learning activities, practice questions and scheduled mock exams to develop their English skills. Learners will work with their tutor to meet individual learning aims and track their progress towards achieving their target GCSE grade.

How will the course be delivered?
This is a practical course, and the sessions will include tutor-led demonstrations, learner-led group activities, instruction and repetition. These will form part of the delivery together with one-to-one support as required.

Will I need to practise outside the classroom?
You will be encouraged to review your notes between lessons to ensure maximum benefit from your course. It is always useful to practise your skills between sessions. Your tutor may encourage home learning, or independent research.

How will I know I'm making progress?
During the first session, your tutor will discuss your goals and current level in relation to the course. Based on this assessment, you will agree individual targets which you will record in your individual learning plan (ILP). You and your tutor will review your targets regularly to ensure that you are making progress; these will be written in your individual learning plan.

What will I need?
Please bring a notepad, and pen to each session. You may wish to bring a file for any handouts. A laptop with internet access is required for completion of coursework and home learning outside of the classroom.

Please Note:
Most courses attract a subsidy from the Department for Education (DFE). It is a requirement of the DFE that you complete various forms at different stages of your course, further information is available on request. Courses are subject to a minimum number of enrolments and could be cancelled if recruitment is low. In some cases, an alternative class at a different location may be offered. Room numbers are subject to change - please check when you arrive at the venue.