Course details

Course Title:

English GCSE

Course Number:

SKV52025

Venue:

Village Learning Centre

Learning Area:

Level:

Start Date:

13 September 2024

End Date:

23 May 2025

Session Time(s):

09:00 - 12:00

Total Hours:

90

Class Size:

Between 8 and 16 learners

Who is this course for

FEES - almost all of our maths and English classes are fully funded meaning you will not need to pay fees. When you click apply now, use the drop down box to select the 'Full remission' option and this will zero the fees. Our staff will provide more information once you've booked your assessment.

If you have not already achieved a Grade C or 4 or a Level 2 English Functional Skill, then this GCSE course may be fully funded if you're eligible.

The course is for anyone who wants or needs this qualification, for whatever reason.

It is, however, essential that your level of English is around level 2, which will ensure that you are able to cope with the demands of the course.

You will be assessed before enrolment in order to ensure that your level is suitable.

If the assessment shows that your level is not yet suitable for GCSE, you will be offered advice on which English course and level you should enrol on, in order to be able to progress to GCSE in the future.

What are the entry requirements

To join a GCSE English class you should be operating at a level 2 standard in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

We would recommend that you have achieved at least level 1 functional skills or a GCSE grade D or 3 before commencing a GCSE English course.

What will I be learning

For reading, you will be required to engage with a range of different texts from the 19th, 20th, and 21st Centuries. This makes the course more challenging, as the older (C19th) texts will be less familiar in terms of their style and content.
For writing, you will develop skills in descriptive writing, narrative writing (like telling stories), and writing to effectively express your opinion.
There is also a huge emphasis on the quality of your spelling, grammar, and punctuation, as it is worth 20 percent of your overall final grade.

The skills you will develop for reading are as follows:
Reading comprehension - identifying facts from texts, distinguishing true or false statements based on written texts, and writing a summary of what you have read.
Understanding language used by the writer - identifying and analysing specific language devices and techniques used by writers for effect e.g. adjectives, rhetorical questions etc.
Understanding how writers structure their writing for effect e.g. use of location, use of time past, present, future. Comparing writers opinions and viewpoints - being able to read two separate texts about similar subjects, then writing a comparison of the writers viewpoints.
Evaluating texts critically - being able to make your own decisions, draw your own conclusions, and make your own comments on texts, based on the language and structure used by the writer.

The skills you will develop for writing are as follows:
Writing to describe - using language devices and appropriate structure to write descriptively
Writing to narrate - using language devices and appropriate structure to write tell a story or write a narrative
Writing to argue - using language devices and appropriate structure to develop an effective argument, to express your point of view / opinion about a subject
Using accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation throughout your writing.

How will I be assessed and supported

At DALS, we use an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) to set and review targets and provide feedback, enabling continual reflection and evaluation throughout the course.

You will use your ILP to help track and monitor your own progress towards set goals, to support personal development and achievement.

You will receive feedback from your tutor throughout the course. This will be during lessons and whenever your tutor marks your homework (which will be most weeks). It is important that you react to your tutors feedback in order to ensure that you improve throughout the year and are ready for your exams in the summer.

You are also welcome to email your tutor at any time with questions or queries about the course; they will always try to respond and answer your questions honestly and with constructive feedback and advice.

At enrolment, it is important that you tell us if you have a learning difficulty or disability and require support. Learners declaring a support need will be referred for an assessment. If an enhanced support need is confirmed, a Support Package will be offered, to assist your progress in your learning and development, specific to your assessed needs.

What do I need to bring?

You will need the following things for your course:

An A4 level arch folder and dividers to organise your work.

Pens and highlighters.
An A4 lined paper pad.
A dictionary
A thesaurus
A positive attitude

Note: you should be able to buy a good (lightweight) dictionary and thesaurus from WHSmith or other stationers for a reasonable price when purchased together.

Any additional costs?

GCSE English is usually free to anyone who has not already achieved a grade 4 or C already.

What can this course lead to

The GCSE course is the highest-level English qualification DALS currently offer. We have lots of courses planned to ensure you have a variety of progression routes to suit your chosen career path.
If you are interested in another course, please ask for more information or telephone our helpline on (01332) 956565 or DALSenquiries@derby.gov.uk
On completion of this course, you could progress to:
Employment
Further study at college or university
Further study with DALS in another subject area e.g. Childcare, teaching assistant, Health and Social Care, counselling.

Village Learning Centre

Address:
Village Learning Centre, Browning Street, Derby, DE23 8DN

Phone: 01332 956340

Enrol Now

Online

You can enrol onto this course now using our online secure website:
Enrol Now

In person

You can pop into any of our centres to enrol:

Village Learning Centre - Browning Street, Derby, DE23 8DN

Opening Times: Mon - Fri 9 – 4.30pm and Weds/Thurs evenings until 8.30pm.

Derby Multicultural Centre – Dairyhouse Road, Derby, DE23 8HN

Opening times: Mon - Fri 9 – 5pm and Mon/Tues evenings until 8.30pm.

Allen Park Centre - Allen Park Centre, Allen Street, Allenton, Derby, DE24 9DE

Opening times: Mon to Fri 9am to 4pm

Kedleston Road Training Centre - 184 Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GT

Opening times: Mon - Fri 9 – 4pm and Mon evening until 8.30pm.

By telephone

Enquiries: 01332 956565

By Email

DALSenquiries@derby.gov.uk

You can also see more information on:

Note: Please bring evidence of eligibility for fee reduction to the first class.