Course may be subject to change.
This course is aimed for people aged 19 years or over.
Open the door to a new job and study opportunities with GCSE English. Develop your reading, writing and spoken communication skills.
Learn in a positive environment, using a range of techniques to suit your learning style.
GCSE English is offered as both face to face or online learning.
If you choose to study on campus, you will have one three hour lesson per week.
If you choose to study online, you will have access to the same high quality teaching and resources through weekly live sessions. As a New College Durham student, you will have access to Microsoft 365 on enrolment, and Teams will be your online learning platform. You will receive face to face tutorials every half term, to ensure your learning needs are met.
Entry Criteria
All applications will be considered, and the course has no specific entry requirements.
Most students who complete the programme have achieved a GCSE Grade D (3) in English Language or Functional Skills at Level 2 before starting the programme.
What are the next steps?
After submitting your application, you will be invited to a briefing session on the first Tuesday of the month during June, July and August. This briefing session will last 45 minutes and give you an overview of the course, its requirements, and start date and assessment measures.
Following this introduction, you will be invited to enrol to the course.
Study Aims
Holding GCSE English will open the door to new employment and education opportunities.
This course aims to develop your skills in reading, writing and spoken communication, providing you with the qualification you need to progress to further and/or higher education, employment and training.
Modules Studied
You will read a variety of non-fiction, literary non-fiction and 19th century literary texts in preparation for your exams.
This course will also teach you how to write creatively, analytically and persuasively to address a number of different purposes, audiences and forms.
You will study the following three key elements:
Fiction and Imaginative Writing: You will be taught how to write creatively, and to produce your own short stories. You will also cover literary analysis; how to read fiction critically to identify and explain meaning.
Non-Fiction and Transactional Writing: You learn how to write for purpose, such as to persuade, advise, or inform. You will learn to write for purpose in a variety of different forms, including letters, speeches and articles. You will also cover how to read non-fiction critically, analysing its deeper meaning.
Spoken Language: You will complete a short presentation on a topic of your choice. This purpose of this presentation is to review and develop your communication skills.
Times of Delivery
You will benefit from the flexible study options detailed below.
Tuesday and Wednesday evening, 5pm-8pm
Please note: Tuesday is a blended learning class to allow you to dial in remotely on Teams to fit around your family and work commitments. You will attend 1:1s and mock exams in person. There is also the option to attend the class face-to-face for teaching.
These classes will prepare you for the GCSE English Language exam in June.
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
The GCSE English course is assessed through written exams at the end of the year. These exams take place in June and consistent of two written exams:
- Paper 1: Fiction and Imaginative Writing (1 hour 45 minutes)
- Paper 2: Non-Fiction and Transactional Writing (2 hours 5 minutes)
Your GCSE results will be awarded in August.
Achieving a grade 4 or higher in GCSE English Language will open the door to countless opportunities.
Most employers require GCSE English and it forms part of the standard entry requirements for higher education.
You could also progress to an Access to Higher Education course at NCD, to progress to study a degree.
