CALAT Croydon Adult Learning and Training

GCSE English Language

About the course

We deliver the AQA 8700 GCSE English Language course.

Our 30-week GCSE courses start in September 21. Exams will be held in June 2021.

This year you can attend either a centre-based or online course.

Excellent attendance and punctuality are essential, especially because it is an intensive and demanding course.

Course content

The course requires you to take 2 papers:

  • Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing
  • Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives

Both papers are 1 hour 45 minutes long and are divided into 2 sections: one section for response to reading and one section for writing. Both papers contribute 50% towards your final grade.

You will:

  • read a variety of texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, both fiction and non-fiction
  • write a variety of texts, including stories, letters, speeches and articles
  • complete a mandatory spoken assessment which will not affect your GCSE final grade, but will be awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction by the tutor – this will appear on your certificate

The course provides thorough preparation for the exam with built-in individual support and guidance.

Costs and funding

The GCSE course is completely free to learners, apart from:

● under 19s

● overseas students

There is no exam fee.

You may be able to get funding to cover some of the cost of equipment. You will need to apply for this once you have been offered a place on the course.

To find out more, see:

How to apply

You will need to complete an online initial assessment to check your current skills. The assessment lasts for up to 3 hours. Please contact calatenglish&maths@croydon.gov.uk to register for the assessment.

ID will be required.

We look forward to welcoming you at CALAT and helping you achieve your goals.

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CALAT Croydon Adult Learning Training
Ofsted Good Provider

Funded by

Croydon Council
ILM
Matrix Standard
Mayor Of London
Education & Skills Funding Agency
Education & Skills Funding Agency