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English GCSE – Alton College

GCSE

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Availability & Details

English - GCSE APY-ENGLGC/C01

Venue
Alton Campus

Type of study
GCSE

Dates
Academic Year 2026-27 ()

Examination board
AQA Education
Fees
Course Fee Overseas -
Exam Fee Overseas -

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Overview

Note: If you are under 18, English GCSE can be taken alongside your standard studies at Alton College. No need to apply: this will be sorted at your enrolment! September Start – Alton College: Thursday – Daytime. The course is aimed at anybody who wants to gain a qualification GCSE in English Language. When employers or colleges require a pass in GCSE English they usually mean a grade 4 or above. Consequently, all students will be entered for the examinations at the end of this course. Students will work with texts across a range of forms, such as letters, articles, speeches and leaflets. Texts range across fiction (paper 1) and non-fiction (paper 2) from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

This course is designed for students who have not previously taken GCSE English, or have previously achieved a grade 1-3 (C or less) in their English Language qualification. It is recommended that students have a strong interest in this subject and recent study experience. To enrol on this Adult Learning course you must be aged 18 years or over.

On this part time course you will cover areas such as:

  • Analysis of texts
  • Writing tasks (including writing from imagination and for specific purposes)

Classes run on a weekly basis and homework tasks will be set to support topics studied. This course is very fast-paced and will require you to spend approximately two to three hours a week on independent reading, preparing material or writing assignments.

As part of this course you will cover areas such as:

  • Analysis of texts
  • Writing tasks (including writing from imagination and for specific purposes)

You will have access to lectures and seminars run by qualified Lecturers. You will also work with powerpoint lectures, handouts, textbooks and online resources such as Moodle and the internet. Throughout the course students will work both independently and participate in group or whole-class activities.

The course is assessed through 2 examinations, both containing reading and creative writing, worth 50% each. You will also be assessed through a short in-class presentation for Speaking and Listening which will complete the topics of qualification for this unit.

A grade 4 in GCSE English is invaluable to many employers. Students may also wish to continue on to another college course that may require a pass at GCSE English.


I’m very, very happy, I didn’t expect to do so well. The College has been helpful and supportive. I loved my courses, and the teachers were really good – every single one of them. The facilities are great, but it’s the staff that really make this place.

Matthew Randell, A Level student

Everyone at the College was really helpful, and there’s lots of facilities, meaning it’s very easy to get your work done on time, and get good grades. The teaching and support was excellent, they were always on top of it, and made sure you got work done on time and you were challenged. Everyone is friendly and its really diverse, meaning you can get involved in lots of different things.

Conor Ward, BTEC student

The teaching has been really good, I’ve loved all of my teachers, they’ve all been really nice and supportive.

Jodie Hook