GCSE English - Level 2
Overview
On the English GCSE course you will develop your written and spoken language skills. You will also read a wide range of texts that will cover the English language in a variety of forms, aiming to achieve a qualification that is highly valued by employers in a range of working environments.
We are following the new GCSE 9-1 specification. Grades 9-1 replace A*-G.
Start dates and fees
- If you have a GCSE at grade 3/D (or lower) in English, the cost will be FREE.
- If you have a GCSE at grade 4/C (or above) in English, the cost will be £812.
The course fee can either be paid in full or in four instalments.
If you wish to pay in instalments, you will be required to pay 25% (£203.00) of the total fee on the day of enrolment and a Direct Debit mandate would then need to be completed to enable the college to collect a further three payments of £203.00 bi-monthly. The payments will be taken on the date you choose on the Direct Debit mandate form.
Please contact the college’s finance department for further details on 0808 100 3626.
| Start Date | Day/Time | Wks | Code | Annual Fee (Age) | Actions |
| over 19 |
| 02/09/2025 | Tue
18:00 - 20:30 | 32 | 1124A101 | TBC | Apply |
| 03/09/2025 | Wed
18:00 - 20:30 | 32 | 1124A102 | TBC | Apply |
| 04/09/2025 | Thu
09:30 - 12:00 | 32 | 1124A105 | TBC | Apply |
E You may be eligible for fee exemption depending on your circumstances. Please see our fees for adult learners page for more information.
For more information on GCSE start dates, times and fees please contact us on our enquiries line 0808 100 3626 or email enquiries@wnc.ac.uk.
What will I study?
Across the year you will focus on developing a number of skills while studying a variety of extracts from literary texts spanning the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The main skills you will cover are:
- Being able to identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas.
- Selecting and synthesising evidence from different texts.
- Being able to explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views.
- Comparing writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or more texts.
- Evaluating texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references.
- Communicating clearly, effectively and imaginatively; selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences.
- Organising information and ideas; using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and cohesion of texts.
- Using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation.
The exam will cover:
- Reading and responding to texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st century using a range of the skills listed above.
- Writing to inform, explain, describe, argue and persuade.
Entry requirements
- This course is for learners aged 19+ only
- For learners who have achieved a GCSE at grade 3/D (or lower) in English and aiming to improve their grade.
- Before you can enrol onto this course, you will need to complete a homework task and a computer-based assessment in the subject you wish to study. You will be given areas to revise before you take the assessment.
How long is the course?
One year.
How will I be assessed?
The course is 100% exam based.
There are two papers, each lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes to be taken at a time set nationally by the external exam board in June.
In addition, it is a requirement of the course that you complete a presentation or debate task for the spoken language unit. This will be visually recorded for the exam board and awarded on a separate scale of Pass/Merit/Distinction.
What does the course lead to?
It places learners in a good position for applying to university and opens the doors to a range of jobs.
Career opportunities