The course covers three areas: reading, writing, and speaking and listening. You will study fiction and non-fiction texts. You will write in a variety of forms. There will be speaking and listening activities in class.

The AQA syllabus will be followed. You will study:
• Nineteenth and Twentieth century literature
• Non-fiction and media texts and materials
• Personal and imaginative writing
• Writing to argue and persuade, writing to explain and describe
• Communicating clearly in a variety of oral activities (using Standard English when appropriate)

You will also improve your IT skills, including learning how to use Google Education Suite and how to use on line meeting platforms and observe etiquette: how to switch your camera off and on, mute yourself, use chat facility and interact on-line with your peers

You will need access to the internet and a suitable device to access on-line learning, preferably a laptop.

You will need to attend a short induction session on using on-line learning and Google for Education suite and be able to access on-line learning

To have been assessed and demonstrated that you have the potential to pass GCSE exams at grades 9-4.
To agree to attend the whole course and have 90% attendance.
To attend extra weekly English language support workshops if your tutors identify you will need them to be successful on your course.
To be prepared to take the final examinations.
Essential pre course reading is: I am Malala: The Girl who stood up for Education and was shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb. ISBN 9780297870920. This must be read before starting the course in September.
You will also be expected to read at least 4 articles from a good quality newspaper each week throughout the course.

If progressing from another course you need to have:

-shown the necessary commitment to learning by achieving at least 80% attendance
-passed any tests or assessments (if appropriate)
-have very good punctuality
-regularly completed homework.