< Back to Courses

GCSE English Language Course – AQA

This online GCSE English Language Course will ensure that students can read fluently and write effectively. Students will be able to demonstrate a confident control of Standard English and write grammatically correct sentences, deploying figurative language and analysing texts. On this GCSE English Language Course students will draw upon a range of texts, as reading the stimulus and engage with creative, as well as real and relevant contexts. Students will also have opportunities to develop higher-order reading and critical thinking skills. These skills help encourage genuine enquiry into different topics and themes.

Students are able to enrol and book their course online, 365 days a year. No set term times, no classes to attend, you have complete flexibility. Access your online resources and tutor support for 12 months, all included in the fee. 

Note: Exam fees are not included in the fees paid to UK Open College. We do not book exams for students. However, you may wish to try www.tutorsandexams.uk who have a number of centres located across the UK. They deal with private candidates all the time and will be happy to help with booking if required. You can also find a list of centres on the AQA website who may also be able to assist.


Qualification: GCSE English Language
Support: 1-year support included - Email your tutor or call our support line 
Start Date: Anytime - We enrol 365 days a year 
AQA Specification: Code A8700
Exams: Book your own exams 
Price: Interest-Free Finance
Type of Study: Study online 

Need GCSE Mathematics too? This is also on offer with UK Open College

Require a Company or School Invoice? You can request an invoice here.

Course Details

Course Syllabus

Learners will complete 4 sections of study in total as listed below.

UNIT 1: ESSENTIAL GRAMMAR
  • Common errors
  • Punctuation, rules and conventions
  • Spelling
  • Nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs
  • Sentence structure
  • Paragraphing
UNIT 2: EXPLORATIONS IN CREATIVE READING AND WRITING
  • Literature fiction texts
  • Planning your writing
  • Descriptive writing
  • Narrative writing
UNIT 3: WRITING VIEWPOINTS AND PERSPECTIVES
  • Exploring different styles of writing
  • Language
  • Summary writing
UNIT 4: SPEAKING AND LISTENING
  • Choosing a topic
  • Presentation techniques
  • Responding to questions and feedback
UNIT 5: EXAM TIPS
  • Tips for the exam

Note: This course contains a practical speaking assessment as well as written exams.

View Official AQA specification here

Entry Requirements

There are no previous qualifications required to register for this course.

Course Duration

This course comes with 12 months of support included:

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) – 200 Hours
Total Qualification Time (TQT) – 270 Hours

Tutors & Support

All learners have access to a qualified tutor via email for the stated support period. In addition to this, you are able to speak to our support team via telephone with any query you may have relating your course.

Our tutors and support team have years of experience in delivering online and distance learning courses. If you require help, then we are only a phone call away.

Assessment

To achieve a GCSE in the English Language you will be assessed across all units. There are 2 paper-based examinations and a spoken language assessment. A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below:

PAPER 1: EXPLORATIONS IN CREATIVE READING AND WRITING

What’s assessed

Section A: Reading

  • one literature fiction text

Section B: Writing

  • descriptive or narrative writing

Assessment

  • written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • 80 marks
  • 50% of GCSE

Questions

Reading (40 marks / 25% – one single text)

  • I short form question (1 x 4 marks)
  • 2 longer form questions (2 x 8 marks)
  • 1 extended question (1 x 20 marks)

Writing (40 marks / 25%)

  • 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
PAPER 2: WRITERS’ VIEWPOINTS AND PERSPECTIVES

What’s assessed

Section A: Reading

  • one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text

Section B: Writing

  • writing to present a viewpoint

Assessment

  • written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • 80 marks
  • 50% of GCSE

Questions

Reading (40 marks / 25% – two linked texts)

  • I short form question (1 x 4 marks)
  • 2 longer form questions (1 x 8, 1 x 12 marks)
  • 1 extended question (1 x 16 marks)

Writing (40 marks / 25%)

  • 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
NON-EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT: SPOKEN LANGUAGE

What’s assessed

  • presenting
  • responding to questions and feedback
  • use of Standard English

Examination Fees

As a private candidate, it is the student’s responsibility to arrange their own examinations and practical assessment if required. This is not part of the service offered by UK Open College.

This should be done prior to enrolment with us. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary arrangements in place & confirmed.

Fees for these services can vary hugely from centre to centre. It may be worth travelling out of the area. (It’s worth it)
You can view a list of official AQA approved examination centres here 

The later you leave it to arrange, the more expensive it can be. At times, it can be impossible to arrange so plan ahead. (8 months minimum recommended)

Your contract with us is for the course and support only. We will not refund you outside of the 14 days cooling-off period if you have not confirmed these arrangements with your selected centre.

Enquire & confirm with your chosen centre, do not leave it to chance!

Payments plans - Guaranteed acceptance*

Select whether to pay in full upon enrolment or opt to pay a deposit and spread the cost with our Interest-free payment plan.  *Guaranteed acceptance for those who meet the following conditions:

Aged 18 and above (Maximum age 75)
Permanent resident in the UK
Be able to provide 3 years of address history from the UK
Have a UK bank account that accepts direct debits
Hold a valid UK credit or debit card

Please note: We do not carry out credit checks

Alternative payment plans may be available for those that do not meet these conditions. Please speak to a member of our team who will be happy to assist on 0121 792 3872.

Applicants choosing the monthly option will be required to complete and sign a financial agreement for the remaining payments.  All payments to be set up via direct debit.  We are only able to set up monthly payments for students resident in the UK. 

Please note: Once a payment plan is set up, you are liable to pay the course fees in full whether you complete the course or not.  Please ensure the monthly repayments are affordable before agreeing to any payment plan offered.

Trustpilot - Read what our students think !

UK Open College Reviews

Read what our learners are saying about their learning experience with UK Open College. 100% genuine comments left by students that have actually completed their studies. Trustpilot is the largest independent website for customer reviews in the UK.

14 Day Money Back Guarantee

Once received at your requested delivery address, you have 14 days to ensure this course meets your needs and requirements. If for any reason you are not happy, simply return your course pack unused for a refund.*

*Minus postage. An admin fee is deducted from any deposit refunded if a finance plan is arranged and then cancelled.

Our full T’s & C’s can be viewed here.

Download Info

    Request a Callback

    Send us your details in the form below and a member of our team will call you as soon as possible.

    If you'd like to speak to us straight away, call 0121 792 3872





    GraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduate