South Devon College is one of a growing number of schools and colleges choosing to deliver Eduqas’ GCSE English Language specification. While the qualification is suitable for pupils sitting their GCSEs for the first time, the team at South Devon feel it particularly shines for re-sit learners, and they’ve seen the results to prove it.
“It’s incredible seeing students who have in previous years got a Grade 1, and they’re now getting Grade 4 – some of them are even getting Grade 5s and 6s” says Julia. “It’s incredible as a teacher to see that.”
As well as the hard work and dedication of Julia and her colleagues, Rebecca Walker, Curriculum Head of Maths and English at the college, credits the accessibility of Eduqas’ assessments for the dramatic improvement in outcomes. “The assessment objectives are the same across different exam boards, but the way that Eduqas structure their questions allows students to be able to demonstrate their understanding in a way that’s more accessible for them” she explains.
“I feel it gives students a really good opportunity to be able to work on their reading for understanding rather than having to look at different particular skills for particular questions.”
Eduqas’ English Language GCSE also focuses on real-world skills, which Andrew Niering, an English Lecturer with two decades of experience of teaching at the college, believes is a real benefit for his learners.
“I honestly feel that what’s being delivered through the Eduqas format really transitions to meaningful skills for life. You’re asking young people to put together a formatted piece of persuasive writing, which surely is going to benefit them in life, and the story element is also fantastic. To have some confidence in the ability to tell a story is wonderful. It makes the English language component more real, more relevant, less far away.”
Eduqas Regional Representative Catherine Oldham is an experienced former English teacher who provides support to the team at South Devon College as part of her role. She believes that together, Eduqas and dedicated English teachers can help learners thrive:
“After ten years supporting centres across England, I’ve seen how the right support can transform both teaching confidence and learner outcomes” says Catherine. “The personal relationships we build with educational institutions, combined with our comprehensive resources and ongoing professional learning, create partnerships that genuinely benefit everyone involved.”
South Devon College English Lecturer Aleshia Sampson agrees. “I love that we can have that relationship with an exam board, because I think that’s quite unusual” says Aleshia. “If you have any problems or concerns, you can just pick up the phone or drop them an email and they’ll respond really quickly.”
“I don’t really understand why people are with other exam boards, I really don’t!”
Learn more about switching to Eduqas for GCSE English Language and register your interest
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