GCSE English

Course Code: GCSE102
Award Level 2, Similar to - NVQ Level 2, GCSE (Grades A*-C)

GCSE English is studied by every student following the UK secondary school curriculum, and is an essential qualification. Higher Education Colleges and Universities will often require students to have at least a Grade C in the subject.

The GCSE English course covers a variety of topics and assesses students on Reading, Writing & Speaking and Listening. Students may want to progress on the A-Level English course.

Course Content

Part 1: Language Skills

Module 1: Personal Experience

Writing about Yourself
How is it told
Imaginary Experience
Tutor- Marked Assignment A

Module 2: Poetry & Prose

Poetic Form
Real or Imaginary?
Comparing Different Versions of an Event
Tutor-marked Assignment B
Plot and Setting
Character and Dialogue
Tutor-marked Assignment C

Module 3: Essay Technique

Persuasion
Paragraphing
Planning Essays
Points of View
Constructing an Argument
Tutor-marked Assignment D

Module 4: Reading and Response

Reports and Brochures
Newspapers and Advertisements
Tutor-marked Assignment E
Writing from Other Cultures and Traditions
More Writing from Other Cultures and Traditions
Tutor-Marked Assignment F

Module 5: Speaking and Listening

Your Speaking Voice
Giving a Talk
Communication

Part 2: Coursework Texts

Literature Module 1: Macbeth

Background and Characters
The Language and Structure of Macbeth

Literature Module 2: Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre*

Context and Characters
Jane Eyre – Themes and the Romance Genre

Literature Module 2a: George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-four*

Characters
Themes, Structure and Language
Revision

Tutor-marked Assignment G: Practice Exam Paper

Glossary

* = either/or – candidates produce coursework on one of these texts (see below).

Study Method

The course is designed for study by distance learning at home or at work. Students receive a course manual and study guide plus tutor support by telephones, mail or email. Your GCSE course materials will be sent out in the post and once you enrol on this GCSE course, you will receive a welcome telephone call from your personal course tutor who will spend some time talking you through the course.

Qualifications

This course prepares students for AQA GCSE English syllabus B (Mature - 3703) for examination in 2010 and later years. Once you have successfully completed the examinations you will receive a GCSE in English.

Course Questions & Answers

Q: What skills are needed to enrol onto this course?

You do not require any previous knowledge however the courses are delivered in English so you will need to be able to read and write in English.

Q: Is there a time limit for completion of this course?

There is no specific time limit to complete your home learning course, your only real deadlines are the AQA GCSE examinations which take place every year during the summer. You can book on to these examinations when you are ready and your personal tutor will help you with this.

Q: What is included in the cost of my course?

All learning documentation and course materials
Unlimited Tutor Support via telephone and email

Q: Is there a required reading list?

The course requires you to focus on certain works of Literature You will need to buy your own copies of Shakespeare's Macbeth, plus a choice between Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte & Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell.

Textbooks can be purchased from any good bookshop or you can purchase them directly from us.

Q: Do I have to sit an exam?

Yes, you will need to take the standard GCSE examinations in order to fully complete this course. The examinations run on specific dates which can be obtained by visiting the AQA website. You will be required to book these examinations yourself and so we can provide a list of over 400 GCSE test centres around the country.

Q: Are there any additional costs?

You will need to purchase the books listed above and you will generally be required to pay a small fee to take your examinations at the examining centre that you choose.

Q: What if I live outside the UK?

You are still able to study this GCSE course. You will however be required to take the examinations within the UK as this is the only reliable way to access you.

Q: How do I get my work assessed?

Every student is issued with envelopes in order to return your completed work to us. Once we receive your coursework we will mark it and return it to you.