English Language GCSE is a new specification that aims to develop your skills in critically reading and responding to a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts from across the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty first centuries. To prepare you for the unseen texts in the final examinations, you will study texts from across these centuries through exciting topics such as: crime and punishment, war and conflict, science and technology and travel and adventure. We aim to develop your enjoyment of reading as well as your analytical skills.

Throughout the course we will also enhance your writing skills across a number of genres for different purposes with a particular focus on developing your linguistic accuracy and vocabulary.

There is also a spoken language unit that aims to develop your presentational skills with the use of spoken Standard English. This unit does not contribute to your final grade but is awarded a pass, merit or distinction that will be identified on your certificate.

The syllabus gives opportunities for progression to study a level 3 programme at QMC and is an essential qualification for life.

Assessed by two final examinations.

All resources will be provided.

If you miss out on a grade 4 at school, we offer a fast-track resit course, with the option to retake the exams in November. Our excellent pass-rate means your future plans won’t be disrupted: you can gain that qualification early in the year whilst at the same time getting on with your other chosen courses. Job done!

Topics covered include:

• Simple calculations involving numbers, fractions and percentages
• Simple algebra: formulas, equations & expressions
• Charts & graphs
• Area, perimeter and volume
• Shapes, angles, bearings and scale drawings
• Averages, statistical graphs and calculations
• Trigonometry
• Transformations and vectors
• Compound measures including speed, rates and comparisons of best value

GCSE Mathematics at grade 3.

GCSE Mathematics can be studied alongside a level 3 programme (A levels or BTEC advanced diploma). It is a one-year course, so you can resit the course in your first year of college and free up your time in the second year to focus on your other studies. We all know that GCSE Maths is a required qualification for many jobs and university courses. It gives you the all-important number skills for life – to understand your pay and budget for household bills; to interpret data presented in charts, graphs and tables and perform simple calculations, including the use of algebra.

• 100% by examination: two calculator papers and one non-calculator paper
• Two opportunities to sit the exams: November and May/Jun
• If you pass in November, you do not need to complete the year.

• One year resit course – Foundation tier; 4 hours p.w.
• November exam (three papers)
• Exam board: Edexcel
• Second resit opportunity: May/Jun