GCSE English (BAR25S009)

English

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Mode of attendance: Online

Start date: Wednesday, 10 September 2025

End date: Wednesday, 3 June 2026

Number of weeks: 35

Time: 18:00 - 21:00

Tutor: Julie Jackson

Venue: Online Delivery

Free Course

About the course:

A GCSE in English Language is an entry requirement for access to many levels of further and higher education. This qualification is also widely recognised and valued by employers and can be a springboard to enhanced career opportunities. It is an intensive programme, covering the syllabus in one year. The course includes three assessed components: Explorations in creative reading and writing; Writers' viewpoints and perspectives; Speaking and Listening. Due to the significant workload, it is strongly recommended you enrol on only one GCSE programme per academic year. If you believe that you are able to commit the very significant amount of time and effort to study both maths and English in one academic year, please make an appointment to discuss your circumstances further with your centre manager, who will provide further information, advice and guidance.

How will the course be delivered?

You will work with a tutor and a group of other learners covering 120 guided learning hours over 30 weeks. An ability to undertake self-study is essential. Homework forms an integral part of the course; usually 2-3 hours per week, which will need to be submitted regularly to the tutor. For online courses, you will need a stable internet connection and access to a device, such as, a laptop or tablet (a mobile phone is not suitable). Learners will need to have their camera on at all times and be dressed appropriately. Adult learning may be able to help with the loan of a laptop and local libraries offer internet access. A quiet, uninterrupted time slot for course attendance is highly desirable and regular attendance is essential.
*Your class is delivered online using Zoom which means you can learn from the comfort of your own home. Your Tutor will send an invitation to join the class each week. This will be by email on a secure link. The class is delivered in real time. To get the most from your online lessons, we ask you to follow these ten guidelines: (1) If you are not working from home, use a location where it is safe to connect. (2) It is better to join your class using a laptop or a tablet. We may be able to help by loaning a laptop if you do not have one. Ask your centre for details. Mobile phone screens are not big enough to read shared documents and it is harder to move between the activities, so we do not recommend using one for a class. (3) Find a suitable quiet space, have access to a desk or table, have resources such as paper and pen to hand to support your learning. (4) Be prompt – we aim to start and finish on time. (5) Please be aware of what your tutor and peers can see. Ideally blur your background or use one of the standard, freely available, backgrounds on Zoom. If you require support with this, please don’t hesitate to speak to your Tutor. (6) Please dress appropriately and do not share inappropriate websites or materials. (7) Turn your camera on at all times. This is a safeguarding requirement and being able to see each other’s faces and reactions will help you to get to know each other and work as a group. It will also help your tutor see if anyone doesn’t understand. (8) Please try to minimise any background noise. Mute your microphone if it is noisy at your end of the connection and avoid interrupting other people. (9) Engage with the learning activities and your tutor and peers. You will enjoy the class more and increase your learning if you are fully involved and open to the challenge. If you do not understand something, please let your tutor know either by saying something or by private message on Zoom. (10) If you are completing a qualification that is assessed through a multiple-choice final assessment, please be aware that the assessment must be completed at one of our Cumbria Adult Learning Centres.

What do I need to bring?

Pen, notebook and folder. Internet access is essential, as the course includes access to a range of free, digital home study opportunities.

What are the entry requirements?

You will ideally have achieved Functional Skills English level two, but an initial assessment will guide the decision as to whether this is the right course for you at this time. Once accepted on the course, your tutor will work with you to identify your areas of strength and development needs. You will need to confirm your availability for the final exam dates. Studying for GCSE English as an adult learner is very do-able, but requires a strong commitment, regular attendance at classes and time for home study. Please discuss with your centre manager, so you are able to plan for success.

What can I do next?

Other programmes of study from our offer. The GCSE English qualification may enable you to access other further or higher education programmes with other providers.

How well am I doing?

Through ongoing, informal assessment and practising past papers, written and verbal feedback from the tutor and an individual progress record, which will be regularly reviewed. You will be supported to set and monitor your own targets. A mock examination will be scheduled for the first half of the spring term. The formal, end of course examinations (two papers) will take place in May/June (dates to be confirmed). A speaking and listening controlled assessment will be scheduled. GCSE English Language is graded (9-1).

Additional transferable skills:

Cultural Understanding, Digital, Empathy, Independent study, Organisation, Perseverance, Presentation, Recall, Research, Resilience, Self-confidence, Self-reflection, Supporting others’ learning, Teamwork, Time-management

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Enquiries

Centre: Barrow Adult Learning
Contact number: 01229 407630 | 07867 182841
Email address: barrowadultlearning@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk