Course details

Course Title:

English GCSE

Course Number:

SKV13016

Venue:

Village Learning Centre

Learning Area:

Level:

Start Date:

08 September 2025

End Date:

11 May 2026

Session Time(s):

17:30 - 20:30

Total Hours:

90

Class Size:

Between 8 and 14 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, Grade 4 or a Level 2 English Functional Skills qualification, 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 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 to 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 working 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.
An initial assessment will be completed prior to enrolling onto this course to check prior knowledge, identify any skills gaps and ensure you join the correct level course. If English is not your first language, you may be asked to join an ESOL English for Speakers of Other Languages class instead of a GCSE course depending on your current level of English skills. This is because ESOL is specially designed to help improve English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills for non-native speakers with a much greater focus on pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary building and syntax.

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 texts will be less familiar in terms of their style and content.
For writing, you will develop skills in descriptive writing, narrative writing, 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.

How will I be assessed and supported

To achieve GCSE English Language you must pass three assessments, consisting of two written exams which are usually 1 hour 45 minutes each and take place in May or June.  In addition there is a spoken language element which is assessed by a short, in class presentation. 
These assessments are a mandatory part of the course. Assessment dates will be confirmed in due course, please note that exams/assessments are fixed nationally and will not be at the same time/day/venue as your usual class session. So, please make any necessary work or childcare arrangements well in advance to ensure you are able to attend.
At DALS, we use an Individual Learning Plan to set and review targets and provide feedback, enabling continual reflection and evaluation throughout the course. You will also receive verbal and written feedback on marked work. You will use your ILP to help track and monitor their own progress towards set goals, to support personal development and achievement.
At enrolment, it is important that you tell us if you have a learning difficulty or disability which may require support. If you declare a support need, you will be referred for an assessment to identify what support can be provided

What do I need to bring?

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?

There are no costs for the course.

What can this course lead to

We have lots of courses planned to ensure you have a variety of progression routes. If you are interested in another course, please ask for more information or contact us on:
Phone 01332 956565
Email DALSenquiries@derby.gov.uk
Relay UK  18001 01332 956565
On completion of this course, you could progress 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.  Individual careers advice and guidance is available to support you to effectively plan your next steps.

Village Learning Centre

Address:
Village Learning Centre, Browning Street, Normanton, 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.