English and Maths
If a student has not yet attained GCSE grade 4 or equivalent in English Language or Maths, this subject will be part of their study programme.
Department Overview
We are aware that not all of our learners have previously undertaken a GCSE in these subjects. All students complete an initial assessment in the first term to identify if the GCSE is the most appropriate qualification for them. If not, stepping stone qualifications FS Entry English and Maths 1 – 3 may be offered.
For all learners taking English and Maths, lessons are timetabled as 1.5 hour sessions twice a week for each subject. This helps students develop their stamina and concentration for the exams as well as fulfilling the government requirement of 100 hours per subject.
GCSE English and Maths are often entry requirement for levels higher up the college and have the capability of increasing a student’s earning potential. (Government studies have shown that each grade of GCSE attainment is associated with an average increase in the present value of lifetime earnings of £8,500)
For all students, including those that English and Maths does not form an explicit part of their study programme, there are elements of the key subject skills embedded within their vocational studies. These aim to support skill development during their time at the college in order to support their success both in their vocational course and their life beyond ABC.
Exams
Summer exams are nationally set usually from mid-May to mid-June. Maths has three exam papers, each 1 hour and 30 minutes. Two are calculator papers, one is non-calculator paper. English has two exam papers, each lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. One focussing on fiction texts, the other on non-fiction.
Students are informed of the summer exam dates at the start of term. Reminders are on display in the classrooms. Students are reminded regularly throughout the year.
Our exam awarding bodies are:
- AQA for GCSE English
- OCR for GCSE Maths (Pearsons for Saltaire Campus)
- City and Guilds for Entry Level Functional Skills
How students are supported with their studies:
Progress checks – Two formal progress checks take place in December and February (subject to change) allowing students to become familiar working under exam conditions, and support staff in exam access arrangements. For exam access guidance see Parents Guide .
Please note – Previous exam access arrangements may not apply. Staff are required evidence of students’ way of working in class, alongside diagnostic evidence.
Teams – Students have access to a Teams group with class work and additional resources. Dates for the summer exams are posted here, together with free revision and skill development resources.
Out of class support – Subject specific support for English and Maths can be offered outside of class where possible in a student’s timetable, this includes: one to one, small group (up to four students), in person, or online.
How to support your student:
- Recognise the importance of these qualifications as transferable skills.
- Equip students with pens, and a scientific calculator for Maths so they are familiar with prior to exams.
- Support students’ attendance to sessions and exams.