GCSE English Distance Learning Course - Distance - UK Open Learning - I33036

No previous study is required to access any of our GCSE courses, but they do require basic literacy and numeracy skills.

GCSE courses are available in a variety of subjects and they are by far the most common qualification taken by students wanting to gain a firm understanding of a topic. Virtually all candidates take GCSEs in English, Mathematics and Science. In addition, many careers also require that students take English literature and at least one modern foreign language, while also favouring students to have at least one social science.

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.