GCSE English
- Start date(s): September 2025
- Centre(s): Abraham Moss, Forum Learning, Greenheys, Longsight
- Course duration: 32 weeks
The next intake for this course is September 2025. If you have any questions about GCSE English, please contact our team at maes.info@manchester.gov.uk or complete the Register Your Interest form on the link below.
Course details
GCSE English is the perfect course if you need to gain a GCSE qualification in order to gain employment and/or progress into higher education. On this course, you will develop your confidence and skills in writing, reading, speaking and listening to the English language – improving your overall communication skills for everyday life.
You will also gain a nationally recognised qualification.
This course is made up of the following three units:
Explorations in creative reading and writing: In this unit, you will learn about creative texts and develop skills to write them yourself. You will learn how established writers use narrative and descriptive techniques to capture the interest of readers and demonstrate your narrative and descriptive skills in response to a written prompt, scenario or visual image.
Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives: Through this unit, you will develop insight into how writers have viewpoints and perspectives on issues or themes that are important to the way we think and live our lives and how they influence the reader.
Non-exam assessment: This unit will develop and allow you to demonstrate your speaking and listening skills by giving a presentation in a formal context and responding appropriately to questions and feedback.
This course is delivered face-to-face in a classroom at our adult learning centres.
For this course, you will be required to complete a classroom speaking and listening presentation.
You will also sit two externally set exams on set days in May and June 2026.
There are no previous qualifications needed to access the GCSE English course however, you will be required to complete an assessment to ensure you have the right skills to join and succeed on the course.
In addition to the above, you will also need to have access to a device (laptop or computer) at home. You can apply to our Chromebook loan system if you do not have a suitable device.
Career and progression routes
Following this course, you could be ready to join any of our Level 3 courses and take your learning to the next level.
You may also wish to use your new knowledge and skills to kickstart a career in a specific field, such as health and social care, education or teaching.
You may also be able to secure employment or advance in your current career.
