AQA GCSE English Language

AQA is the exam board most commonly used in British schools and this AQA GCSE English Language course will teach you all the skills you need in order to pass the exam in about 8 - 18 months (based on the average time taken by most students). It doesn't presuppose any knowledge about English, apart from the reading and writing skills of an average 12 – 13 year old. Unlike some correspondence courses which can be quite dry in tone, this course reflects the joy in learning, which I feel should be part and parcel of any English study and should (I hope!) enhance a lifelong love of reading and even writing.

The AQA exam has a compulsory speaking and listening component, which can be very tricky for home-educators to organise. This speaking and listening component doesn’t count towards the marks either, so it’s best avoided if you’re a home educator or private candidate. However if you’re a student in school looking for a course to supplement your AQA English Language studies, this would be an ideal choice.

The course consists of 10 chapters, which cover all the reading and writing skills you’ll need for the exam, such as comprehension, composition and creative writing. There’s plenty of practical guidance, too, along with short exercises to test your learning. You’ll learn about exam technique and can take a mock exam at the end of the course, with the option of extra past paper practice. I help you prepare for the speaking and listening component too.

As with all my courses there is full tutor feedback and unlimited (within reason!) phone and email support.

The cost of the course is £315 for a digital version, which you can download or print at home. However if you’d like to have a course book in addition to the digital version, the cost is £345. 

Optional Zoom classes

The Zoom classes are optional monthly sessions that supplement the core work in the IGCSE courses. They take place in small groups and each class lasts 50 minutes (including a 5-minute set-up time). These live classes provide an opportunity to explore key topics in a bit more depth while allowing students to ask questions if they wish.

Each month students are emailed a short handout with some exercises to help them get the most out of the class. There’s also a follow-up mini-assignment to consolidate skills. Participation in the preparatory exercises and mini-assignment is optional. The classes cover topics that are applicable to all specs but the exercises are focused on a student’s particular specification.

All sessions are audio-recorded and students have ongoing access to the recordings, together with any visual materials I use, while they are enrolled on the course. Students can opt out of video participation if they wish.

Do the classes keep pace with the course?

In broad terms, yes. However as students can enrol throughout the year, and depending on demand, I update the time table every few months so new students can enrol on a full set of classes. The current timetable is for September starts making the assumption that you’re aiming for a summer 2026 exam. You can join 5 or 10 sessions:

There are two identical sessions each month to maximise the opportunity to take part at a time and date that suits you. When you apply for a course and opt in to the Zoom classes, you’ll be emailed a form to choose your sessions, which are bookable in advance. If for any reason you can’t join a class I’ll do my best to accommodate you in an alternative session. If this can’t be arranged you’ll still have access to the recorded session and optional exercises and assignments.

NB Regrettably, because of the huge logistical challenges in organising the sessions in the first place, I can’t give refunds for non-attendance. However you will be able to view the recorded lesson and do the exercises.

What’s the cost of the Zoom classes?

The Zoom classes are booked in blocks of 5 or 10 and the fees are:

            5 classes = £175

            10 classes = £335

As well as the class, this fee covers the preparatory exercises, the follow up mini assignments and access to the Zoom class audio for as long as you’re enrolled on the course.

The last two Zoom classes are live mock exams with guidance, each lasting around 2.75 hours. We begin with 15 minutes guidance, have a midpoint break, then complete the mock with a debrief at the end. Students can ask questions throughout and the papers are fully marked with feedback. All guidance is recorded. Please note that each specification will have its own mock exam. These live mocks were incredibly successful last year and students felt much better prepared going into the exam.

For sibling rates, please contact me.

Zoom class timetable 2025

*Thursdays are from 10 - 11 am and Wednesdays are from 1 - 2 pm

I'm happy to talk over the phone. You can call me on ‭07722 642709 or email at info@catherinemooneytutoring.co.uk