iGCSE English

CIE (Cambridge International) Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide, and is an international passport to progression and success. Developed over 30 years ago, it is tried, tested and trusted by schools worldwide.

The UK English GCSE requires both Literature and Language to be studied, however for students following a less formal path, these can be sat as separatte qualifications. The iGCSE 9-1 path is equivalent to a UK GCSE grade.

For more information about Cambridge iGCSEs please click here.

Our English Courses are divided into three areas, each of which represents a full iGCSE:

English Language

Over the course of a 16 month course, our students will develop the ability to communicate effectively and clearly through the accurate use of formal English.

Students will work with our fully qualfied English Teachers to develop their own style of communication which they can adapt to communicate effectively with different audiences.

As this course is intrinsically linked to the English Literature course, students are encouraged to read widely for both study and pleasure.

Course Content

As the English Literature iGCSE includes a Coursework element, the fees reflect the additional time required for the tutor to mark and submit your child’s coursework to your chosen school.

The Speaking & Listening component of the course will be conducted via a one to one recorded class with each student. The fees for the course reflect the additional time required to complete the recording and submission to your chosen exam centre.

• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking & Listening

English Literature

Over the course of a 16 month course, our students will be introduced to reading and interpreting a range of texts, enabling them to develop an understanding of contexts, and the literal meaning of the author. Through the guidance of our fully qualified English Teachers, our students will evaluate how authors use English to create a range of effects through the written word including fiction and non-fiction.

Students are encouraged to explaore the cultural relevance of the texts studied and use these to develop an understanding of the world around them.

Course Content

As the English Literature iGCSE includes a Coursework element, the fees reflect the additional time required for the tutor to mark and submit your child’s coursework to your chosen school.

• Poetry
• Prose
• Drama
• Coursework
  
  • 2 Assignments 600 – 1200 word

English Functional Skills

Where a student requires a little more foundation knowledge prior to commencing the iGCSE English course, we offer a Functional Skills Class which enables students to prepare for the foundations in English Language. This course is aimed at students wishing to sit GCSE English as an academic subject and whilst it is suitable for non-native speakers, this is not a substitute for ESOL.

Course Content

Students may opt to study Level 1 or 2, with level 2 being equivalent to a GCSE pass.

• Speaking, Listening & Communication
• Reading
• Writing

Course Structure

Courses have a starting date of February or September each year and last for 16 months, allowing students to sit exams in either January or May. This also allows our students the option to progress from Functional Skills to GCSE, or take Language & Literature concurrently.

Students can also opt to join additional summer taster & revision classes to compliment their core curriculum.

• Students join our weekly live classroom (encouraged), or access the class as a recording in their own time each week. In this, students are taught key aspects through presentations, interactive whiteboards, and activities. Cameras are not used as a safety precaution.
• Outside of the live class, students will study a particular topic making use of key resources available through the online classroom each week.
• Tuition covers marking of a topic assignment each week. This will be set after each live class and is submitted to the teacher through their online classroom.
• Students can discuss resources, ask questions, and interact with other class members through their online classroom – this is a fully moderated forum where are discussions are open and moderated by our staff.

Term Dates

September 2019 Start (42 weeks):

Click to Enrol

Term 1: 2nd September 2019 – 13th December 2019 (half term 28th October – 1st November)

Term 2: 6th January 2020 – 3rd April 2020 (half term 17th February – 21st February)

Term 3: 20th April 2020 – 26th June 2020 (half term 25th May – 29th May)

Term 4: 2nd September 2021 – 12th November 2021 (up to exam week)

September 2020 Start (42 weeks)

Dates TBC

Fees & Exam Registration:

The cost of the courses are shown below. All classroom materials are included, however parents are responsible for the purchase of required reading material.

English Language – £25.00 for 16 months or £380 full payment.

English Literature – £27.00 for 16 months or £410 full payment.

Functional Skills (34 weeks) – £21.00 for 10 months or £199 full payment.

Students are solely responsible for finding and registering with a Cambridge Exam Centre as a private candidate. To search for an exam centre near you, click here.

From the exam board:

“The syllabus enables learners to read, interpret and evaluate texts through the study of literature in English. Learners develop an understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts and of the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed. Through their studies, they learn to recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers use English to achieve a range of effects, and will be able to present an informed, personal response to the material they have studied.

The syllabus also encourages the exploration of wider and universal issues, promoting learners’ better understanding of themselves and of the world around them.“

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child study this course in a year?

Our distance learning program is already condensed into 42 weeks instead of the usual 68 week program. Whilst studying for an iGCSE in a year is certainly possible, a condensed program of study requires a more intensive approach and to achieve their best in 1 rather than 2 years, we would strongly suggest the route of one to one private tutoring for this approach.

What is the benefit to paying up front?

A 5% discount has been applied for fees where they are paid in advance. Students recieve exactly the same service no matter which route you choose for fee payment.

How is monthly payment taken?

Monthly fees ae taken via Direct Debit which is set up at time of registration. After your initial payment of £21 at time of registration, a further £21 will be taken monthly for 15 months from the start date of the course.

Should parents wish to commence monthly payments earlier to help spread payment prior to commencement, please do get in touch.

Do you offer a scholarship program?

Students from families with low incomes may apply to sit our online entrace exam. We award a number of 50% and 80% scholarships each year. Please contact us for more details.

Is my child still able to attend if I miss a payment?

Where fees are paid monthly, access to the online classroom is reliant on prompt payment of fees. These are set up to be charged automatically each month so there is no chance of forgetting to pay. Should you need to discuss unforseen financial circumstances, please get in touch.