Online English; Preparing for GCSE (OL14Q12A)

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 and speaking and listening formal assessments.
Your tutor will discuss this with you and advise you of the dates, but please be aware that the written exams take place in Uckfield.

Where This is an online course.

When Wednesday, 09:45am - 12:00pm from 27th September 2023 until 19th June 2024 for 32 weeks.

There are no classes on 11th October and 25th October (Half term holiday), 20th & 27th December (Christmas holidays), 14th February (Half Term), 3rd & 10th April (Spring Break), 29th May (Half Term)

Cost The full fee is £0.00.

During the course

This course will be taught online via the Google Meet video platform. To ensure you get the most out of the course and can fully participate in any online 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 iPad) (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.

You may decide that you would like to 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.

IMPORTANT:
All written exams will take place in Uckfield during the day.
You will be kept informed by your tutor and ACRES as soon as the dates are confirmed.
Speaking and Listening assessments typically take place in March during class time.
Reading exams typically take place in May in Uckfield.
Writing exams typically take place in June in Uckfield.
All 3 components must be completed to be able to gain the qualification.
You should be preparing for your course and exams to be completed by mid June, but in case of changes, we recommend that you do not book any holidays before the end of June.

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 additional work to complete at home to enhance your learning.

Bring to the first session

Pen and paper.

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

Register your interest for this course here. We will send you an enrolment pack. The pack includes a short assessment to establish your level. Please return the pack in the free-post envelope provided as soon as possible.
You will then be invited to an online 'meet and greet' with a tutor to help decide which course is right for you.
Any questions please call the office 01825 761820. See our contact page for office hours.

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 on the ACRES' website 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.