GCSE English Language Course in Blackpool for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAQA awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? Check which courses you can do free.

About this course

Free GCSE English Language Course in Blackpool. Classes run at Blackpool Sixth Form College, full-time during the day.

The course takes one year and covers reading, writing, spoken language, and communication skills. You'll study a range of texts and develop the ability to write clearly and accurately for different purposes. This is the AQA GCSE English Language qualification, the same standard employers and universities recognise.

You'll need at least four GCSE grades at grade 3 or above, with English and maths at grade 2 or above. You'll finish with a GCSE in English Language.

Who this course is for

The Route3 Programme is a one year programme. It offers a highly flexible step for those who are looking to boost their qualifications before Level 3 study programmes or entering the world of employment. At the heart of the programme are the skills and qualifications which todays employers want: English, maths, science, digital and creative skills, organisational and employability skills. The programme allows you to tailor your courses and to develop the skills needed for successful progression. A GCSE in English Language is vital whether you want to go to university, apply for an apprenticeship or get a job. Employers and universities will usually insist upon it as a basic requirement. It is important to be confident in the use of language because many of the skills required in every day life and study require English in order to achieve the best success. You can re-sit/take GCSE English Language alongside a range of BTEC and A Level courses subject to entry requirements. What will I study? For this course, you will study: explorations in creative reading and writing (paper one); writers' viewpoints and perspective (paper two). Both of these will be assessed by examination and are equally weighted. There is also an non-examination unit to develop your spoken language skills. Assessment. This course will be 100% examination. Where does it lead? Successful completion of this programme, when combined with your existing GCSEs at grade C or above, will give you 5 GCSE equivalent qualifications. This will allow you to move onto our Advanced Applied Programme (Level 3 BTECs). You will also receive guidance and tasters to help you select your next step. By achieving a number 4 or above in your GCSE in English Language you will have a much wider range of career options available and you will be able to apply for a variety of higher education courses at universities or through apprenticeship schemes.

Entry requirements

You will need at least four 3 (D) GCSE grades (or equivalent) and your English and maths need to be at no less than grade 2.

What you will learn

  • You'll read and analyse a range of fiction and non-fiction texts.
  • You'll write for different purposes and audiences, including creative and transactional writing.
  • You'll develop skills in planning, drafting, and editing your written work.
  • You'll study how writers use language and structure to create effects.
  • You'll practise spoken language and communication skills.
  • You'll build the ability to express ideas clearly and accurately in writing.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom lessons at Blackpool Sixth Form College. Assessment is by written exams at the end of the course. There is no coursework, but spoken language is assessed separately and reported as an endorsement on your certificate. Your teachers will set practice tasks and timed writing throughout the year to prepare you for the exams.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Customer service adviser, communicates clearly with customers in writing and in person.
  • Administrative assistant, handles correspondence and documents for an employer.
  • Receptionist, writes and responds to professional communications daily.
  • Retail supervisor, uses written communication for reports and team updates.
  • Healthcare support worker, records patient information and communicates with colleagues.
  • Teaching assistant, supports pupils with reading and writing tasks.

What you could study next

  • A Level English Language or English Literature, for those wanting to study English at a higher level.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma or BTEC, using your GCSE to meet entry requirements for a vocational Level 3 programme.
  • Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma, a route into university for adults returning to study.
  • Apprenticeship, many employers require GCSE English as a condition of entry.

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