Your
course fee includes
- full printed course materials
- 10 tutor-marked assignments
- email support by fully-qualified tutor
- phone support by fully-qualified tutor
- information on choosing an exam centre
- free set of CDs containing the full course as an audio
file
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 This course doesn’t presuppose any
prior knowledge and unlike some correspondence courses, which can
be dry in tone, it reflects the joy in learning which I feel
should be part and parcel of any English course. There is practical
guidance with exam technique, practice with past papers, 10 tutor
marked assignments and unlimited (within reason!) phone and email
support.
| You also have the option to add extra lessons if and when they are
required. Parents get help and support too, and I have written a
special chapter to demystify exam board requirements and help you
find an exam centre.
 The course is produced on
paper and audio CD format, recognising that some children learn best
by listening rather than reading. Throughout the course there are
exercises to help you consolidate what you have learned. |
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Included in the price of your
course is a unique set of audio CDs containing all the
course material. Ideal for listening to on car
journeys, or for students who learn more easily by
listening. |
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Here some of
the questions I am frequently asked about this course,
Do parents make their own arrangements for
children to sit the exam?
In the future I hope to be able to offer a more
comprehensive exam service and there are exciting plans in the
pipeline (watch this space!). For the time being, however, parents
take responsibility for entering their child for an exam (although I
can provide a list of centres and I will be on hand to give help and
advice).
Does the course have a set duration of two years
or can children and parents work through it at their own pace?
The course does not have a set duration. It has
been designed so that you can work through it at your own pace and it
doesn't have to take two years. Indeed, I would imagine that a great
number of students could do it in a year (or even less), depending
on where they are up to with their English thus far. I will go at
whatever pace you choose (although if I feel that you are perhaps
trying to go a wee bit too quickly, I'd let you know).
You also need to bear in mind registration dates
for exams (for example you need to register your child in December
if they are intending to sit an exam in May).
What age range is the course
suitable for?
One of the key aspects of this
course is that it is suitable for younger children (12+) and has
been written so it will appeal to a wide age range. It will vary
very much from individual to individual, but there is no reason why
a younger child couldn’t take this course and sit the exam. I will
be able to advise you about this.
You say you can offer extra face
to face tuition. Where are you based?
I am based in north Telford and I am
happy to travel any reasonable distance for face to face tuition.
A group of us would like to take the course.
Would there be any benefit in this and would there be a reduction in
cost?
Although the course is designed for individual
study, it’s great working in a supportive group so yes, there would
be a benefit. Much of the cost of the course is for the 10 tutor
marked assignments for which your child will receive very detailed
feedback, but that said, I would be able to offer a reduced rate
especially if materials are shared.
I understand there are two tiers of entry for
GCSE, Foundation and Higher level. Does the course cater for both
levels? How will I know which level is suitable for my child?
The Foundation and Higher Tiers of the GCSE exam
shared much common ground, but the Higher Tier students are expected
to demonstrate more in-depth writing and reading skills for which
they get extra marks. It will become apparent as your child takes
the course which tier would be most suitable.
In addition to the course materials, is there
anything else I need to buy?
The course materials provide you with almost
everything you need, but additionally you will need to download the
free Anthology from the Edexcel web-site. A good dictionary would
help, too.
I've heard the exam specification changes in 2009 is this right?
The
courses are fully updated to accommodate the new specification whose
first examination is in June 2011
Two or
more of my children wish to study the course - will I get a
discount?
Yes. Your children can
share the folder, and I will mark the second child's assignments at
very generous discount |
