English; Preparing for GCSE (UC14Q47A)

Course overview

You will develop the English skills needed to progress to taking a GCSE course. Build up good study habits, confidence in your own learning and give yourself a strong foundation from which to achieve your goal.

You will have the opportunity to gain a NCFE Level 1 or 2 qualification that will be assessed by 2 written exams. Speaking, listening and communication skills are assessed by means of a discussion and short presentation in class time.
Your tutor will discuss this with you and advise you of the dates, but please be aware that all exams take place in Uckfield.

Where Uckfield Civic Centre, Civic Approach, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1AE.

When Thursday, 09:45am - 12:00pm from 24th September 2020 until 24th June 2021 for 32 weeks.

29th Oct (Half Term), 17th, 24th, 31st Dec (Christmas break), 18th Feb (Half Term), 8th, 15th Apr (Spring break), 3rd Jun (Half Term)

Cost The full fee is £0.00.

During the course

This course will start online and move to Uckfield Civic Centre as soon as Covid-19 government guidelines permit. You will stay with the same tutor for online and face to face classes.

The online element of the course will be taught in real time using a video platform (usually Google Meet), supported by other online resources. To ensure you get the most out of the course and can fully participate in the sessions you will interact with your tutor and other students through speaking, listening and the chat function, as well as being able to see each other via the video links, though you can turn off your camera and microphone at any time. You will therefore need to have access to either a laptop, computer or portable device (eg tablet or phone) (this ideally needs to be less than 5 years old), with a camera / webcam and microphone, as well as a good broadband / Wi-Fi connection.

Though not a prerequisite, we would advise that you create a separate email account for your online learning prior to the start of the course and let the ACRES' Office and your tutor know the address.This will be more secure and also allow you to share your email address with other students on the course to enhance your learning experience, without disclosing your personal information.

All exams take place at Uckfield College.

IMPORTANT:
Course dates given are based on usual course situations. Due to the disruption from Covid 19 there may be changes to the dates of national assessments and the end of the course. We recommend that you do not book any holidays and remain available for a further 2 weeks. As soon as the dates are issued you will be informed.

What you already need to know

You do not need any previous experience of studying. This course is designed to equip you with the skills needed to study for a GCSE English.
ACRES offers a range of courses and you will be assessed and advised which course is most suitable for you.

What you will learn

You will learn how to read and evaluate a variety of texts
You will produce pieces of writing using language suitable for formal and informal purposes
Speaking and listening skills are developed throughout the course

How you will learn it

Classes are small, informal and friendly. You will learn from a variety of teaching methods including; tutor explanations, discussions, small group activities and writing tasks. You will be given handouts and homework to enhance learning.

Bring to the first session

Please bring a pen and A4 lined paper.
You may wish to bring an A4 ring binder for handouts and notes.
To avoid unnecessary cost please do not purchase any materials until you are certain that your course will run. Course decisions are normally made a week prior to the course start date.

Extra study or practice

It is recommended that you spend 1 - 2 hours a week doing home study to practise what you have learnt in class. You are also encouraged to read daily, trying out new types of reading material.

How to enrol

Contact the ACRES office for your enrolment pack to get started. This includes a short assessment for you to complete at home.
Once this has been returned you will be contacted to arrange a friendly online discussion with the course tutor.

Previous students say

"It was scary going back to studying. I didn't have a good time when I was at school but it wasn't like school at all."
"The teacher was so friendly and we all had such a laugh learning together."
"The course helped me to get back into learning."

Next steps within this subject with ACRES

English GCSE, Maths GCSE and Maths functional skills courses start in September each year. Speak to your tutor or look out for the next ACRES brochure to find out more.

Future steps beyond ACRES

Some colleges and universities now offer an equivalency exam for adults who do not have a GCSE English. Completing an NCFE L2 qualification will equip learners to demonstrate their literacy for further study.

Find out about other courses with the National Careers Service for opportunities to extend your skills and knowledge.

Further information

Please visit the ACRES website, see our brochure, or alternatively contact a member of the team on 01825 761820.