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English Language GCSE
The GCSE course in English Language will involve you having to write stories, letters and newspaper articles as well as reading extracts from novels and journalism, some of which will be from the 1800s. We aim to make you more confident with your writing and discussing ideas in class. The speaking and listening element is marked separately and you can, if you want, just keep your score from your previous school. If you are having to re-take English, you may not feel happy about it. However, we really do our best to make it interesting by looking at exciting topics. Of course, we also help you to develop the core skills you need to pass; we have an excellent pass rate, one of the highest in the country for resits.
Entry Requirements
Below Grade 4 in GCSE English Language, improvers welcome.
This is a Level 2 course which can be taken alongside any Level 3 course.
How will I learn?
There are two exams, both of which involve Reading and Writing. The first one asks you to answer questions on a passage from a story as well as write your own narrative. The second one also has a set of questions but this time it is on two articles, one of which is from the past. In addition, you have to complete two pieces of writing such as an email or letter. In class, we are basically working on your skills to ensure you can do these four tasks really well.
Device Requirements
Information about what device may be required for this course, where available, can be found on our Bring Your Own Device guidance page.
FAQs
Can I score higher than a grade 4?
You can, especially now the paper is not split into Higher and Foundation. The sky (or, more accurately, 9) is the limit!.
What qualification do I need to get on the course?
If you have taken GCSE English before, we expect you to have a 3. If you got a 2 or lower, you should do the Functional skills course initially where you should have a better chance of passing. If you have not taken the course before, we will assess you at the start to find the right course for you.
Is there a lot of homework?
There is some but we try to get as much as your work done in class. We have two 90 minute sessions per week so have plenty of time to get through the course.
Can I take English Literature at GCSE?
You cannot at the college. We only offer English Language (although you do get to work on a play for part of the year).
Awarding Body
WJEC
What can I do after I have taken this course?
The GCSE course in English Language will involve writing stories, letters and newspaper articles as well as reading extracts from novels and journalism, some of which will be from the 1800s. We aim to make you more confident with your writing and discussing ideas in class. The speaking and listening element is marked separately and you can, if you want, just keep your score from your previous school. If you are having to re-take English, you may not feel happy about it. However, we really do our best to make it interesting by looking at exciting topics. Of course, we also help you to develop the core skills you need to pass.
Entry Requirements
Below Grade 4 in GCSE English Language, improvers welcome.
How will I learn?
There are two exams, both of which involve Reading and Writing. The first one asks you to answer questions on a passage from a story as well as writing your own narrative. The second one also has a set of questions but this time it is on two articles, one of which is from the past. In addition, you have to complete two pieces of writing such as an email or letter. In class, we are basically working on your skills to ensure you can do these four tasks really well.
FAQs
Can I score higher than a grade 4?
You can, especially now the paper is not split into Higher and Foundation. The sky (or, more accurately, 9) is the limit!.
What qualification do I need to get on the course?
If you have taken GCSE English before, we expect you to have a 3. If you got an 2 or lower, you should do the Functional skills course initially where you should have a better chance of passing. If you have not taken the course before, we will assess you at the start to find the right course for you.
Is there a lot of homework?
There is some but we try to get as much as your work done in class. We have two 90 minute sessions per week so have plenty of time to get through the course.
Can I take English Literature at GCSE?
You can’t at the college. We only offer English Language (although you do get to work on a play for part of the year).
Awarding Body
WJEC
What can I do after I have taken this course?
English Language GCSE is an essential qualification that opens the door to a wide range of courses, apprenticeships and careers. Whether you're aiming to achieve a Grade 4 or improve to a Grade 5, this course will help you build the skills and confidence to succeed. You'll prepare for the Eduqas GCSE, offering a fresh approach to exam technique, and benefit from expert teaching and outstanding resit results that consistently place us among the top-performing colleges nationally.
What will I study in English Language GCSE?
You will become very clear on the difference between comprehension (understanding a text) and inference (reading between the lines) and you will develop the skills to apply this understanding to unseen fiction and non-fiction texts. You will also learn new approaches to crafting and developing creative (fiction) writing and real-world non-fiction writing. You'll also get really good at time management, as you have to work fast in the exams.
Entry Requirements
Below Grade 4 in GCSE English Language, improvers welcome.
How will I learn?
There are two exams, both of which have separate sections for reading and writing. The fiction exam (worth 40%) asks you to demonstrate your skills of comprehension and inference and then applying what you know about how writers work by writing your own narrative. The non-fiction exam (worth 60% of the final mark) tests your reading skills through two articles, one of which is from the past, and also tests your comparative skills. In addition, you have to complete two pieces of writing, typically a talk and an article. Teaching staff also work as Eduqas examiners for this exam, and regularly share their expertise on how students gain the highest marks with other staff and students.
How will I be assessed?
Paper 1: Fiction. 1 hour 45 minutes
Paper 2: Non-fiction. 2 hours
Speaking & Listening: carried forward from school - you won't repeat this.
Exams are sat in June. Some students will sit the exams in November on staff recommendation.
Device Requirements
COURSE_DEVICE
If you already own a device that meets the technical requirements of your course, you are welcome to bring it with you to college.
If not, more information on a convenient rental and help-to-buy scheme designed specifically for Cirencester College students is linked below.
FAQs
Can I score higher than a grade 4?
You can, especially now the paper is not split into Higher and Foundation. The sky (or, more accurately, 9) is the limit!.
What qualification do I need to get on the course?
If you have taken GCSE English before, we expect you to have a 3. If you got an 2 or lower, you should do the Functional skills course initially where you should have a better chance of passing. If you have not taken the course before, we will assess you at the start to find the right course for you.
Is there a lot of homework?
There is some but we try to get as much as your work done in class. We have two 90 minute sessions per week so have plenty of time to get through the course.
Can I take English Literature at GCSE?
You can’t at the college. We only offer English Language (although you do get to work on a play for part of the year).
Awarding Body
WJEC EDUQAS
