GCSE Adult Pathway – C0143

The GCSE Adult Pathway is a challenging course covering a wide and interesting range of subjects. The goal is to provide a well-rounded set of GCSEs to enable adult (19+) students that do not have enough GCSEs (or equivalent qualifications) to progress onto level 3 Access to Higher Education Diplomas (or other level 3 courses) and on to university.

The range of GCSE subjects offered has two major benefits. The first is that it prepares students for any of the Access to Higher Education Diplomas offered by Leicester College. All require English Language and mathematics, some require a science GCSE and Access to Health Professions requires a minimum of five GCSEs. The second is the opportunity to try out different academic subjects before needing to commit to level 3 and university study. Every year students discover options that they had not considered before, and others are reassured that they are on the right path to studying a subject that genuinely interests them.

Ongoing support from your personal tutor and subject specialist teachers ensures that you are well prepared for the next step in your career and education, whatever path you choose.

If you are 16-19 years old these activities will be timetabled as will work experience and placement. You can also choose to take part in other activities.
For other age groups, activities will be tailored to your needs.

Year 1

You will study a total of five GCSEs – a full level 2 qualification. Most students study English Language and mathematics, sociology, psychology and a science (biology or chemistry). If you already have one of these GCSEs, or if your future progression requires it, there is flexibility on the subjects taken. In addition to the six subjects listed, there is also an option to study GCSE English Literature.

Our GCSE courses are with the AQA exam board, except for English Language which is with Edexcel; specifications for all subjects are available on the exam board websites.

The GCSE Adult Pathway will have lessons scheduled across three to four days each week; this is an intensive course, fitting a full GCSE programme into a single academic year. In addition to your scheduled lessons you are expected to complete a considerable amount of study at home, doing homework and revising earlier topics, so it is essential that you can commit to full time study before you apply. Classes are normally scheduled within the working day but it is possible that one or more will take place during a twilight or evening session.

During your classes there will be a variety of teaching and learning methods used by your subject specialist tutors, and they will continuously set and review academic targets to help you develop and refine your skills. In addition, you will have the support of a personal tutor who you will meet on a regular basis to discuss your progress.

Entry onto this course requires at least one positive reference and the ability to show us you have the potential to achieve five GCSEs, including English Language and Maths. Due to the nature of this one-year intensive course, you will need to be dedicated to your studies and able to commit to full-time study. Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths at level 2 and several GCSEs at grade 3 (D) are desirable, but not essential, as you will be required to take pre-entry assessment tests in English and maths to establish your potential to achieve.

Throughout the year, you will be expected to complete regular homework tasks and undertake four formal assessments to measure your progress and potential grade in each subject.

Additional self-study is essential as this is a very intensive course. Many helpful learning resources will be available online and you will be guided in how to use these throughout the course. You will be assessed by examinations in each GCSE during May and June; most subjects have two exams, GCSE mathematics has three. It is important that you attend every exam as there are additional charges if you fail to do so.

Tuition fees

Tuition Fees (19+): £1800.00

Additional Costs

A materials fee of £20 is payable at enrolment.
You are advised to check your eligibility for fee remission before you apply for the course. The rules regarding fee remission are very clear and, if you are over 24 and not in receipt of qualifying benefits, or 19-23 and already have a full level 2 or 3 qualifications, you will have to pay the full fees, although you can pay in installments. This year there level 2 courses have fee remission if you are earning less than £18,525 (2022-23).
There may also be fee remission available if you are working and on a low income. Please contact student services for more advice.

Material Fees

£20.00

Disclaimer

If the course is longer than one year the total fees are for the first year only and further fees may apply in future years. All fees are based on a ‘home’ learner status. Please contact us for information on overseas fees.

For more information, please see our course fee disclaimers page.

Learn more about fees

On successful completion of the course and subject to interview, you can progress on to an Access to Higher Education Diploma or a range of other level three courses. Alternatively, you may wish to move onto an apprenticeship or go directly into employment.

If intending to progress onto an Access to Higher Education Diploma and then university, please check the GCSE requirements of the course you intend to take. Some university degrees require specific subjects (midwifery usually requires Biology GCSE) and others particular grades. Knowing these in advance will ensure that you take the right set of GCSEs to progress at the end of the course.

Apply online via the College website. You will need details of your qualifications, a reference, and a personal statement to complete your application – this is very important as we need to know why you want to do the GCSE course and what you are planning to progress to. Under the current circumstances we may make you a conditional offer or refer you to another course within the college which meets your needs.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Programme Lead on 0116 224 2240.