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GCSE English - Level 2

Overview

Looking to improve your GCSE English grade, but the thought of studying Shakespeare again fills you with dread?

At West Notts, we use relevant and age appropriate resources in interactive sessions that encourages discussion and development of understanding. It’s not just a teacher stood at the front of the class talking for the whole session. Questions are encouraged to ensure misconceptions are addressed throughout the development of your written and spoken language skills as you read a wide range of texts covering the English Language in a variety of forms.

We know learning is bespoke, and everyone’s journey is different. This course is for learners aged 19+ only and we make sure to keep the class sizes small and supportive, whilst creating a fun learning environment. To help accommodate the needs of our learners, we often create a hybrid way of working to allow you flexibility to work at college or at home to ensure that attendance remains high. Don’t worry – we don’t give out detentions.


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 DateDay/TimeWksCodeAnnual Fee (Age)Actions
over 19
08/09/2025TBCTBC1124A109TBCApply
09/09/2025Tue
18:00 - 20:30
321124A101TBCApply
10/09/2025Wed
18:00 - 20:30
321124A102TBCApply
11/09/2025Thu
09:30 - 12:00
321124A105TBCApply
16/09/2025TBCTBC1124E106TBCApply

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.


Career opportunities

There isn't currently career information listed for this course.


How do I apply?

Apply online

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Next steps

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0808 100 3626
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Why choose West Notts?

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Courses created in partnership with local employers to meet their specific workforce needs.

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Excellent student support services from careers and financial advice to health and wellbeing.

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We offer a flexible and cost-effective travel pass to all students and apprentices.

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We have nine campuses each boasting a number of state-of-the-art facilities.

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We offer a wide-range of FREE* adult courses.*subject to eligibility.

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