Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Free GCSE English in Ashton-under-Lyne

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free GCSE English course in Ashton-under-Lyne. Classes run at Ashton Sixth Form College on Wednesday evenings, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

The course runs from September to June, around 30 weeks of study. You'll cover fiction reading and imaginative writing, plus non-fiction texts and transactional writing. There's also a spoken language component. Many jobs and university courses ask for a GCSE English pass at grade 4 or above. This qualification meets that requirement. You'll complete a short diagnostic writing task before you enrol.

You'll finish with a GCSE in English Language.

Who this course is for

This course in is for those wishing to study for a GCSE English qualification to enhance their CV and develop their literacy skills for personal and professional use. This course is suitable for adults who have been out of education, and for students who have recently left school. Many courses, universities and jobs require you to have a GCSE English qualification and it will help improve job and study opportunities.

Entry requirements

You will need to complete and pass a short piece of diagnostic writing before you enrol.

What you will learn

  • You'll read and analyse prose fiction, including 19th-century extracts.
  • You'll develop imaginative writing skills to engage a reader.
  • You'll study 20th and 21st-century non-fiction texts, including literary non-fiction.
  • You'll analyse, evaluate, and compare non-fiction writing.
  • You'll practise transactional writing for different forms, purposes, and audiences.
  • You'll use spelling, punctuation, and grammar accurately.
  • You'll prepare and deliver a spoken presentation on a chosen topic.
  • You'll listen and respond to questions in a formal setting.

How you will learn

The course is assessed through two written exams. The first covers fiction and imaginative writing, worth 40% of your grade. The second covers non-fiction and transactional writing, worth 60%. You'll also complete a spoken language endorsement. This is a prepared presentation assessed separately. It does not count toward your final grade but earns a Pass, Merit, or Distinction. Classes are held in the classroom each Wednesday evening.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Ashton Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Customer service advisor, clear written communication is essential in this role.
  • Administrative assistant, employers often ask for GCSE English at grade 4 or above.
  • Healthcare support worker, many NHS roles require a GCSE English pass.
  • Teaching assistant, schools require GCSE English as a minimum entry requirement.
  • Retail supervisor, written skills support stock reports and team communication.
  • Call centre agent, strong spoken and written English helps in this role.

What you could study next

  • A Level English Language or English Literature, the natural next step if you want to study English at a higher level.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma, opens the route to university for adults without traditional qualifications.
  • Level 3 qualifications in health, business, or education, many of which require GCSE English as an entry condition.
  • Functional Skills English Level 2, an alternative qualification if you want a more flexible route to the same standard.
Apply on asfc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at Ashton Sixth Form College

More courses near you