Course description
Want to get more from the English language? Gain skills for life with a GCSE English. It's a key qualification and proof that you have a good command of the language, and that you can express yourself clearly. Learn the importance of things like grammar and vocabulary usage which will help you communicate effectively
Course Title
GCSE English
Course Overview
* The Use of Language
* Punctuation
* Personal Writing
* Functional Writing
* Speaking
* Listening
Study Time
To complete this course it will take in the region of 100 study hours which can be spread over a 12 month period to suit the student.
Support and Benefits
* Flexible terms times
* Stepped learning approach
* Access to a dedicated ICS tutor to mentor and motivate you throughout
* Access to the ICS online Student Community, allowing you to interact with other students and browse our resource library
Exam Dates and Information
Exams are in June with the latest enrolment date of January 2009 for June exams.
Further Reading and Book List
You will be provided with advice once you purchase your course.
Grading
At the end of the GCSE course, each student receives a grade for each subject. The pass grades, from highest to lowest, are:
A*, A, B, C, D, E, F, G
GCSEs are part of the National Qualifications Framework. A GCSE at grades D–G is a Level 1 qualification, while a GCSE at grades A*–C is a Level 2 qualification. Those who fail a course are given a U (unclassified). Students can also receive an X grade which signifies that they have only completed part of the course or key elements such as coursework are missing and so an appropriate mark cannot be given.
Structure
In many subjects, there are two different 'tiers' of examination offered:
* Higher, where students can achieve grades A*–D
* Foundation, where they can achieve grades C–G
If a candidate fails to obtain a G on the foundation tier or a D on the higher tier they will fail the course and receive a U (though there is a safety net allowing those who narrowly miss a D on the higher tier to receive an E). In non-tiered subjects, the examination paper allows candidates to achieve any grade. Coursework also always allows candidates to achieve any grade.
Results
Students receive the results of their GCSEs in the fourth week of August (the week after A Level results). CCEA publish their results on the Tuesday and the other examination boards publish theirs on the Thursday. Normally, students have to go to their school to collect their results, although Edexcel allow for the option of an online results service whereby results are posted online.
Taking Exams
UK Open Learning in conjunction with ICS will give whatever help we can with examination information, finding an exam centre but entering examinations is entirely the responsibility of the student, and the contract for sitting examinations is between the student and the exam centre. We are not an exam centre so you must read all the information in your course pack carefully and be prepared to travel to a centre who is willing to accept external candidates.
Please do not ask us to provide you with a list of your nearest centres when enquiring about your course as we do not have this information available, you need to contact Edexcel or AQA.
Funding
UK Open Learning does not have access to any funding so if you require a subsidised course please contact your Learn Direct Centre.
Other GCSEs
* English Literature
* Maths
Biology
* Psychology
* French
* German
* History
* Law
* Italian
* Spanish
* Business Studies
Our GCSE Courses are provided by ICS with over 100 years experience in providing distance learning programmes.
