GCSE English Language (AQA) (BAR26S014)
Curriculum area: English
- Start date: Wednesday, 16 September 2026
- End date: Wednesday, 9 June 2027
- Number of weeks: 32
- Time: 18:00 - 21:00
- Delivery type: Online
- Venue: Online Delivery
- Tutor: Julie Jackson
- Free Course
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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 the course will be delivered
You will learn with a tutor and a small group in the classroom or online. Lessons will include whole-class, group and individual activities. You will need to attend regularly and complete 2-3 hours of homework per week.
*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 you'll need to bring
Pen, notebook and folder.
Entry requirements
We will support you to complete an initial assessment to help you find the right level of study. You may already have a Functional Skills level 2 qualification. Studying for GCSE English requires a strong commitment, regular attendance and time for home study. You will need to confirm your availability for the final exam dates.
Next steps
The GCSE English qualification may enable you to access other further or higher education programmes with other providers. Other English courses from Cumbria Adult Learning. Courses from other areas: maths, digital, employability, family learning, arts and crafts, health and wellbeing, ESOL, modern foreign languages or greener.
Additional transferable skills:
Cultural understanding, digital, empathy, independent study, organisation, perseverance, presentation, problem-solving, recall, research, resilience, self-confidence, self-reflection, supporting others’ learning, teamwork, time-management.
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Contact us
Centre: Barrow Adult Learning
Contact number: 01229 407630
Email address: barrowadultlearning@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk