IGCSE English Language

Who is this course for and what’s it about?

The IGCSE English Language course doesn't presuppose any knowledge about English, apart from the reading and writing skills of an average 12 – 13 year old. It 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). 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 course consists of 10 chapters (11 for the CIE course) and they cover all the reading and writing tasks you’ll need for the exam, such as comprehension, composition and creative writing.

There’s plenty of practical guidance, together with short exercises to test your learning. You’ll also learn about exam technique and there’s a mock exam included in the course, with the option of doing extra past paper practice. As with all my courses there is unlimited (within reason!) phone and email support.

You have the option to join a series of live monthly Zoom classes in which we explore key topics in more depth.

How is the course delivered?

As soon as you apply you’ll receive a welcome email with a link to download the full course in PDF format. There’s also the option to purchase the course as a printed book if you prefer (the pdfs are included with this option). In addition to the course materials you’ll have access to a complete audio version of the course in MP3 format. There’s also a comprehensive range of additional materials to support your study, including Punctuation Pages and a fully annotated version of the anthology (for the Edexcel Spec A course). If you’ve opted for Zoom classes (more details below) a timetable will be emailed within a few days so you can choose your preferred time slots.

By the time you take the exam you’ll have had good, solid practice and feedback in each of the exam tasks. Hopefully you’ll have enjoyed the process, too!

Choosing Your Specification

There are three options for IGCSE English Language and one for GCSE. Home educators tend to choose IGCSEs (which are equivalent qualifications to GCSE) because there is no compulsory speaking and listening component, which can be a hassle to organise and doesn’t count towards the marks. Only choose the GCSE option if you are sure you can get the speaking and listening test organised.

The specifications for IGCSE are 80% identical to each other so it’s no big deal if you want to swap. I can easily transfer you from one to another (depending on where you are up to in the course, there might be a small additional fee).

It’s good to look at past papers, which you can find on the exam board websites, to see what you think of them. Email me if you struggle to find them. Meanwhile here’s the low-down on the IGCSE specifications.

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 of 15 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, I update the time table every few months so new students can enrol on a full set of classes. The current timetable is for November/December starts making the assumption that you’re aiming for a summer 2025 exam. You can join 4 or 8 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:

            4 classes = £120

            8 classes = £230

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.

For sibling rates, please contact me.

Zoom class timetable 2024

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does the course take?

• It varies. Most students take 8 months from starting the course to sitting the exam, but you can do it more quickly and take longer if you wish (there is no time limit on any of my courses). 

What pace should I go at?

• It’s always good to aim to complete the course a month or so before the exam, to give time for past paper practice. Divide the remaining weeks by the number of chapters in the course and that should give you your pace.

What if I get stuck?

• Pick up the phone or email me - I’m here to help! If you have a block about a particular assignment it is usually better to move on with the course and come back to it later. Don’t agonise for days or weeks - email me. I can usually suggest a workaround.

Can I type my assignments?

• Only if you have dispensation to do so in the exam (or intend to get dispensation), otherwise, it’s got to be handwriting I'm afraid. We can all type more quickly than we can write so typing assignments gives an unrealistic expectation of what you can produce in the exam (and what it will look like!).

What about special educational requirements?

• The best thing to do is pick up the phone and talk to me and tell me what you need. Over the years I’ve helped hundreds of students with a range of special requirements resulting from dyslexia, Aspergers and other physical or mental conditions that get in the way of their ability to do justice to themselves in English. I can’t promise that I’ll be able to help, but if I can I will.

What's included in the course?

• All course materials available via a private section on my website which you can access anytime

• Prompt and encouraging feedback on all assignments

• Unlimited (within reason!) email and telephone support

• An audio version of the course book in MP3 format

• An optional printed version of the course book (at extra cost)

• Extra resources such as exam tips and punctuation help

• Zoom classes if you wish to join them

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