Course overview
The course involves three key skills:
• Reading and analysing texts
• Creative writing
• Writing to argue, persuade, advise, inform or entertain
All skills are important for level three study, and students will have dedicated time to develop these skills. We will teach the skills through a range of cross- curricular topics, based around topical issues and students’ interests.
How many hours per week?
Teaching contact time is 4 hours and 20 minutes per subject. Other workshops will be available throughout the year including over some holiday periods. Students are expected to spend a minimum 4 hours of independent study to complete assignments, homework, extra reading and independent research.
Entry requirements?
The Level Three Foundation Programme has a consistent set on entry requirements for each course. Students are required to have already achieved a of 4,4,3 at level 2 (GCSE or equivalent)
Exam Board
Why study this course?
A GCSE grade 4 or above in English Language is a requirement for many courses beyond college. The skills developed will also help you to achieve well in your other subjects, by developing your ability to read for meaning and write clearly and effectively.
What will I learn?
You will learn about a range of topical issues, which will be used as the basis for developing the skills. Areas explored in the past include:
• Crime and punishment
• The local area
• Your opinions of college
• What makes a monster?
What skills will I develop?
You will learn to analyse what you read and explain your thoughts. You will learn to explore how a writer might present a particular topic in order to create a particular effect or develop a particular opinion. You will also learn to plan and write in a way which allows you to structure your ideas clearly, as well as effectively discussing and expressing your ideas verbally.
How will I be taught?
Lessons will typically involve a mixture of independent work, group work, discussion, presentation and research. The course aims to respond to what is happening in the world around us.
How will I be assessed?
There are two exams, which make up the whole of the course:
• Paper 1- 40%- reading and writing fiction
• Paper 2- 60%- reading and writing non- fiction
Where will this course take me?
Having a good grade in GCSE English is crucial for a range of career paths and next steps.
Staff contact details
Karen-Anne Herbert karenanne.herbert@ke6n.ac.uk
Paul Maiden paul.maiden@ke6n.ac.uk