Course details may be subject to change and programme is subject to validation.
Open the door to a new job and study opportunities with English.
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GCSE
Develop your reading, writing and spoken communication skills and learn in a positive environment.
You will study on campus. There is the choice to study GCSE English face-to-face or remotely.
If you choose to study on campus, you will have one three hour lesson per week.
If you choose to study online, you will have access to the same high quality teaching and resources through weekly live sessions. As a New College Durham student, you will have access to Microsoft 365 and Teams. You will receive face-to-face tutorials every half-term, to ensure your learning needs are met.
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Functional Skills
Develop your reading, writing and spoken communication skills and learn in a positive environment.
You will study on campus. There is the choice to study Functional Skills English face-to-face or remotely.
If you choose to study on campus, you will have one two hour lesson per week.
If you choose to study online, you will have access to the same high quality teaching and resources through weekly live sessions. As a New College Durham student, you will have access to Microsoft 365 and Teams. You will receive face-to-face tutorials every half-term, to ensure your learning needs are met.
Entry Criteria
There are no specific entry requirements, all applications will be considered.
You will be assigned a group based on your existing English qualifications and an initial assessment.
What are the next steps?
For both GCSE and Functional Skills, you will be invited to a briefing session.
The briefing session will last 45 minutes and provide you with an overview of the course, its requirements, a start date and assessment measures. Following this introduction, you will be invited to enrol on the course.
Study Aims
Achieving a higher English grade with our GCSE or Functional Skills course will prepare you to explore new employment and education opportunities.
You will develop your skills in reading, writing and spoken communication. Gaining a higher level qualification will help you to progress.
Modules Studied
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GCSE
You will read a variety of non-fiction, literary non-fiction and 19th century literary texts in preparation for your exams.
This course will also teach you how to write creatively, analytically and persuasively to address a number of different purposes, audiences and forms.
You will study the following key elements:
- Fiction and Imaginative Writing: You will learn how to write creatively, and to produce your own short stories. You will also cover literary analysis; how to read fiction critically to identify and explain meaning.
- Non-Fiction and Transactional Writing: You will develop the skills needed to write for purpose, such as to persuade, advise, or inform. You will learn to write for purpose in a variety of different forms, including letters, speeches and articles. You will also cover how to read non-fiction critically, analysing its deeper meaning.
- Spoken Language: You will complete a short presentation on a topic of your choice. The purpose of this presentation is to review and develop your communication skills.
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Functional Skills
This Functional Skills English qualification will allow you to develop your confidence and ability.
Gaining this qualification will provide you with the skills needed for everyday life and work.
The course will prepare you to use English competently in the real world, and you will gain a sound grasp of basic English knowledge and skills.
Times of Delivery
You will benefit from the flexible study options detailed below.
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GCSE
Tuesday and Wednesday evening, 5pm-8pm Thursday 1pm-4pm
Please note: our Tuesday lesson is a blended learning class which means you can choose to dial in remotely on Teams. This aims to allow you to fit studying English around your family and work commitments. You will attend one-to-ones and mock exams in person. There is also the option to attend the class face-to-face for teaching.
Wednesday and Thursday will remain as standard face-to-face lessons in class. These classes will prepare you for the exam.
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Functional Skills
Monday evening 5pm-7pm Friday daytime 10am-12pm
Please note: our Monday lesson is a blended learning class which means you can choose to dial in remotely on Teams. This allows you to fit studying English around your family and work commitments. You will attend one-to-ones and mock exams in person. There is also the option to attend the class face-to-face for teaching.
Friday will remain as standard face-to-face lessons in class. These classes will prepare you for the exam.
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be assessed through the following.
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GCSE
You will be assessed through written exams at the end of the year.
Exams take place in June and consist of two written exams: Paper 1: Fiction and Imaginative Writing (1 hour 45 minutes) Paper 2: Non-Fiction and Transactional Writing (2 hours 5 minutes)
Your GCSE results will be awarded in August.
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Functional Skills
You will be assessed through a reading and writing exam, and a speaking and listening assessment. Assessments will take place when you are ready.
Most employers require English and it forms part of the standard entry requirements for higher education.
You could also progress to an Access to Higher Education course at NCD, to take the next step to studying a degree.
