If you are an adult and have questions about studying our English and maths courses, see if we have the answers below.
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If you find that we haven’t answered your question, get in touch!
Nothing! All English and maths courses up to Level 2 are free as long as you meet the eligibility checks. You are eligible if you do not already have a grade C (4) or higher already in the subject.
If studying remotely you will need access to the internet and a sufficient screen to be able to see the lessons and tasks, so on a laptop, PC or tablet. Some students do use their smartphones but it can be a bit tiring on your eyes.
You will need:
A calculator for maths – just a basic one.
A dictionary is useful for English but is not essential.
No. This is because you will be able to use a calculator in most of your maths exam and you will not be able to take your phone into the exam room with you. You will need to have a calculator for the exam and it is advisable to have practised with it before the exam day too.
We have classes during the day, mornings and afternoons and even evening classes. The days and times vary but we can find the best one for you when we get to talk to you.
Once you have signed up to a course, we ask for 100% punctual attendance as this is the best way to guarantee success. We have lots of different options for time of class, so we will be able to find one that works best for you.
So is everyone else in the room! We understand that coming back to learning can be scary, especially if it is a subject you did not enjoy previously. Our teachers are skilled at making everyone feel comfortable and supported in and out of class. There is no room for judgement or bullying in the classroom and the expected standards will be set out at the start of the course. Anyone not behaving appropriately will be challenged.
It is normal to be a bit nervous but come along to that first session, once you have joined you will see no one is going to judge you.
We can help with that. If you already have a diagnosis, it is really useful if you can bring along the paperwork and letters you already hold. If you have never been screened, we can arrange for our support team to meet with you to look at any additional learning needs you may have.
That is down to you. We have a variety of options for you to choose from:
Functional Skills
6 hours per week for 5 weeks (1 full day per week) – start all year round
3 hours per week for 12 weeks (morning, afternoon or evening) September, January, April start
3 hours per week for 24 weeks (morning, afternoon or evening) September, January start
3 hours per week for 30 weeks (morning, afternoon or evening) September start
For each of the 3-hour courses, you may be able to take your exam earlier than the end date if you have made good progress.
GCSE
September Start – 3 hours per week for 30 weeks, exams in May/June
January Start – 6 hours per week for 15 weeks, exams in May/June
It depends on what you sign up for. GCSE is always a level 2 qualification, Functional Skills starts at Entry 1, then Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and eventually Level 2. We complete an interview and initial assessment which will show us the best starting point for you, ensuring you have a tailored learning plan.
Let your teacher know if you need extra help, they will be happy to support you.
We offer English and maths at our Nuneaton and South Wigston campuses all year round, and subject to demand at our Hinckley campus.
At the moment, all classes are taught virtually, online through Microsoft Teams. You will be supplied with a student log-in on enrolment.
No, it’s currently free to everyone.
It is useful to have access to a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, so if you are unable to attend or we have to close the college to students, you can still access your lessons online.
Yes, all of our qualifications are awarded via exams.
Maths is one exam, English is two written exams (Reading and Writing) and an in-class Speaking & Listening assessment.
GCSE Learners
This year the Government has announced there will be no formal exams taking place. This means that learners studying GCSE will be given a centre assessed grade based on the work they complete and submit to their teachers. Your teachers will be giving the centre assessed grades so it is important that you build up the evidence to support the grade you will be given.
Functional Skills Learners
We are currently awaiting guidance from the awarding bodies to confirm how the Functional Skills qualifications will be awarded. This will either be in the form of an exam or a centre assessed grade proposed by your teacher. As we are unaware of how Functional Skills will be awarded, we are preparing all learners for the eventuality that a centre assessed grade may be given. This means that we need to build up a portfolio of evidence to support the proposed grade, so it is important that you complete and submit all work given to you. Centre assessed grades will only be given if the awarding bodies announce exams are not taking place.
We will review your results and then contact you to arrange a resit exam. For Functional Skills, you can continue in class and resit when you are ready. For GCSE, we talk to you about your options on results day.
You will give a short presentation on a topic of your choice to 3-5 learners in your group and you will be asked questions on your chosen topic. You will participate in a group discussion with 3-5 learners from your group on a topic set by your lecturer. Your lecturer will be present to assess your speaking and listening contributions.
You can only use a dictionary for your Reading module exam. You are not allowed to use a dictionary for the Writing module exam as you are tested on your spelling, punctuation and grammar as part of the exam.
Your exam will either be on the last week of your five-week block delivery or for longer courses when your lecturer feels you are ready for the exam.
Read! That is the answer – read a book, read a newspaper, read the leaflets that come through your door – anything – just keep reading.
