GCSE English and Functional Skills English Classes

Course Overview

Enhance your English with our friendly and supportive part-time Functional Skills English courses.
Whether you're looking to improve your communication for work, further education, or everyday life, our classes will help you gain a nationally recognised qualification valued by employers and universities.

Why Choose Functional Skills English?
1. Develop essential reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
2. Achieve a Level 2 qualification—widely accepted by higher education institutions and employers
3. Learn in a welcoming and focused environment with expert tutors
4. Build confidence through interactive and engaging lessons

Why Choose GCSE English?
1. Develop your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, providing you with the confidence and ability to succeed in further education or the workplace.
2. You will learn in engaging, structured lessons that follow the GCSE linear specification, working both independently and as part of a group.

What to Expect?
Our structured classroom-based lessons follow a clear and supportive learning plan, using a mix of:
1. Group, paired, and individual activities
2. Practical tasks designed to improve real-world English skills
3. PowerPoint-supported lessons to guide and enhance learning
Take the next step in your education and career—enrol today and start building your future with confidence!

What You Will Study

Part-Time Functional Skills English:
Speaking & Listening – Build confidence in communication through discussions, presentations, and real-world conversations.
Reading – Explore a variety of texts to develop comprehension, critical thinking, and analysis skills.
Writing – Improve your ability to produce clear and structured writing, including letters, emails, articles, and reports.
Join our friendly and focused classes and take a step towards achieving your goals!

Part-Time GCSE English
1. Develop both written and oral communication skills
2. Learn to interpret and analyse texts
3. Enhance your creative and formal writing abilities
4. Study a range of non-literary texts
5. Improve spelling, punctuation, and grammar in line with the latest specification

• Attendance Expectations

  3-3.5hrs one day/evening per week - various classes available.

• How You Will Be Assessed

  Part-Time GCSE English:
  1. Two end-of-year exams (1 hour 45 minutes each), weighted 50% each
  2. Mock exams and formative assessments throughout the year to track progress

  Part-Time Functional Skills Classes:
  1. Internally marked assessments to track your development.
  2. Externally marked examinations to achieve your final qualification.

  Our goal is to ensure you feel fully supported and prepared every step of the way!

   

• Entry Requirements

  Whilst no formal qualifications are required to enrol on this course, before you start you will take part in a one-to-one interview and a skills assessment. This will help us understand your current level and ensure you are placed on the most appropriate qualification to support your learning and progression.

• Fee Information

  Free (subject to eligibility criteria)

   

• Further Study

  Part-Time GCSE English:
  GCSE English is a key requirement for many jobs and Higher Education courses. At Castleford College, we offer a range of courses where achieving GCSE English is essential or highly beneficial for your future studies and career prospects.

  Part-Time Functional Skills Classes:
  Upon successful completion, you may have the opportunity to progress onto GCSE English, other academic or vocational courses, or further develop your skills in a work-based setting. Many Higher Education providers now accept Functional Skills qualifications as an alternative to GCSEs. Our team will provide guidance and support to help you make the right choice for your next steps.