IGCSE English as a Second Language
Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £345
Start your journey towards a career where strong communication skills are essential. Develop your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills for everyday situations. The course will help you progress to further education, an apprenticeship or seek employment inside or outside of the UK.
- Awarding Bodies: Cambridge & Edexcel Examination Boards
- Learning Hours: 130 Recommended Study Hours
- Flexible Fast Track Available
- Full IGCSE Qualification
Overview
Would you like to progress your education through distance learning? An online International GCSE English as a Second Language course can open doors to a rewarding career in a wide range of industries. The programme with Learn Now provides the same fully recognised qualification you would achieve if attending mainstream college but giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
If you are an adult learner, a student resitting exams, or someone juggling studies with work and family, this could work perfectly. The course is designed to suit many lifestyles and provides at least two exam series per year.
Choose Your Specification
Whether you are based inside or outside the UK, we can offer a variety of internationally recognised examination boards to suit your specific needs:
- Cambridge International CIE (0511)(A*-G) or (0991)(9-1)
- Pearson Edexcel (XES2) (9-1)
Get 10% discount when ordering multiple IGCSE courses. Use the coupon code: IGCSE10 at checkout
Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £345
Select your course awarding body from the dropdown below.
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language
Specification Code: 0991 (9-1) or 0511 (A*-G)
The Cambridge specification will help you understand and communicate in a range of situations in English.
English has emerged as a widely spoken language worldwide. In a globalised world, it has become a universal language of communication. English as a Second Language (ESL) is essential today, where individuals, organisations, and nations must interact across borders to achieve their goals.
Course Content
Section 1 | Reading
Learners will be introduced to a range of different text types on a variety of topics:
- identify and understand factual information, ideas and arguments in a range of texts
- identify and understand ideas, opinions and attitudes, in a range of texts and the connections between them
- understand what is implied but not directly stated
- select relevant details when reading for a specific purpose
Section 2 | Writing
Learners will practise writing for different purposes and different audiences. Learners will understand the features of different text types and will be encouraged to plan, draft and check their writing:
- communicate factual information, ideas and arguments clearly and with expansion produce written texts that show control of language select and organise relevant information and ideas into coherent text using appropriate linking devices produce written texts with a range of grammatical and lexical structures respond to a written stimulus and use appropriate register, style and format for the given purpose and audience
- communicate factual information, ideas and arguments clearly and with expansion
- produce written texts that show control of language
- select and organise relevant information and ideas into coherent text using appropriate linking devices
- produce written texts with a range of grammatical and lexical structures
- respond to a written stimulus and use appropriate register, style and format for the given purpose and audience
Section 3 | Listening
Learners will be introduced to a range of different text types on a variety of topics:
- identify and understand factual detail and specific information in a range of spoken contexts and from a variety of sources identify and understand speakers’ ideas, opinions, feelings and attitudes in a range of spoken contexts and from a variety of sources show understanding of the connections between ideas, opinions, feelings and attitudes in a range of spoken contexts and from a variety of sources show understanding of what is implied but not directly stated
- identify and understand factual detail and specific information in a range of spoken contexts and from a variety of sources
- identify and understand speakers’ ideas, opinions, feelings and attitudes in a range of spoken contexts and from a variety of sources
- show understanding of the connections between ideas, opinions, feelings and attitudes in a range of spoken contexts and from a variety of sources
- show understanding of what is implied but not directly stated
Section 4 | Speaking
Learners will be encouraged to speak in a range of different situations and for different purposes, including brief transactions, conversations, expressing their opinions, and giving short talks on a range of topics:
- communicate factual information, ideas and opinions with expansion produce coherent and relevant responses engage in different types of interaction (e.g., conversation, short talk, interview) produce responses using a range of grammatical and lexical structures communicate showing control of pronunciation and intonation
- communicate factual information, ideas and opinions with expansion
- produce coherent and relevant responses
- engage in different types of interaction (e.g., conversation, short talk, interview)
- produce responses using a range of grammatical and lexical structures
- communicate showing control of pronunciation and intonation
Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations at a Cambridge approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.
IGCSE Exams
There are three exams for the full qualification. The length of each exam is as follows:Reading and Writing – 2 hours
Listening – Approximately 50 mins
Speaking – Approximately 10-15 mins
Course Outcome
On successful completion of all your exams, you will be awarded the following qualification:
International GCSE English as a Second Language with CIE
Click here for more information on CIE and to be taken to their official website
Edexcel IGCSE English as a Second Language
Specification Code: XES2
The Pearson Edexcel programme is designed as a qualification for either students obtaining their secondary education through English as a medium of instruction, or studying English in order to enhance their future educational or employment prospects.
Achievement in this qualification is benchmarked against the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The framework has been developed as a design tool. Please refer to the Council of Europe website for more information.
Course Content
Unit 1: Reading
Learners must be able to:
• read for different purposes
• understand a word, phrase, sentence or whole text in its context, e.g. read a passage on a familiar topic and respond to questions on it
• read and understand a range of information and publicity texts which could be in a formal or an informal context, e.g. adverts on bulletin boards, blog posts, recipes
• identify key information, draw comparisons and distinguish facts and ideas from a range of texts
• read and understand a range of short opinion pieces, identify the writer’s viewpoints, which may be either stated explicitly or implied (through the writer’s choice of vocabulary)
• read and understand a range of factual texts on a variety of familiar topics, identifying inferred meaning, opinions, ideas and facts
• understand a wide range of grammatical forms and structures, as defined in the Grammar list
• understand a wide range of relevant and appropriate vocabulary, as suggested in the Core vocabulary list.
This unit assesses reading skills.
1 hour
50 marks
25% of the total IGCSE
Unit 2: Listening
Learners must be able to:
• listen to and understand spoken English language extracts and identify key information
• listen to and understand informational broadcasts such as extracts from podcasts which may involve more than one speaker, and identify key details, opinions, and information conveyed
• listen to and understand conversations which may be casual or in the form of interviews and identify key information the speakers are exchanging
• listen to and understand extracts from public presentations on general interest topics, identifying facts and viewpoints, e.g. comparing the advantages and disadvantages of an idea or process.
• listen to and understand a wide range of grammatical forms and structures, as defined in the Grammar list
• listen to and understand a wide range of relevant and appropriate vocabulary, as suggested in the Core vocabulary list.
This unit assesses listening skills.
45 minutes
50 marks
25% of the total IGCSE
Unit 3: Writing
Learners must be able to:
• convey information in writing on a range of topics, using context-specific vocabulary
• express their opinions on a topic and develop their responses
• write for a variety of purposes
• write in a variety of styles, formal and informal
• summarise longer passages of text without copying phrases word for word
• write fluently and coherently
• write using a wide range of grammatical forms and structures, as defined in the Grammar list
• write using a wide range of relevant and appropriate vocabulary, as suggested in the Core vocabulary list.
This unit assesses writing skills, including spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG).
1 hour 15 marks
50 marks
25% of the total IGCSE
Unit 4: Speaking
Learners must be able to:
• convey information in speech on a range of topics, using context-specific vocabulary
• express their opinions about a topic and develop their ideas
• respond spontaneously to both predictable and unpredictable questions on a range of topics
• participate in extended discussions on a range of topics, from the familiar and everyday to more abstract themes
• speak fluently and coherently, using a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary without undue hesitation
• use a wide range of grammatical forms and structures, as defined in the Grammar list
• use a wide range of relevant and appropriate vocabulary, as suggested in the Core vocabulary list.
This unit assesses speaking skills including spontaneity, fluency and pronunciation.
22 – 23 minutes
50 marks
25% of the total IGCSE
Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations / practicals at an Edexcel approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.
IGCSE Exams
There are four exams for the full qualification. The length of each exam is as follows:Paper 1 – 1 hour (approx)
Paper 2 – 45 min
Paper 3 – 1 hour 15 min
Paper 4 – 22 min (approx) 
Course Outcome
On successful completion of all your exams, you will be awarded the following qualification:
International GCSE English as a Second Language with Pearson Edexcel
Click here for more information on Edexcel and to be taken to their official website
Enrolment Fees
Our Enrolment fee for this course is noted at the top of this page where you can enrol directly onto the course. This fee includes access to your course including tutor support for 2 years.
Our enrolment fee includes:
- All study materials covering the full specification.
- Full support where you can also message your tutor as many times as you need to.
- Access to our online Library with a full range of eBooks.
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Marked and graded practise examination papers
- Fast Track available if required and flexible learning from home 24/7.
The only other fee you will need to pay is for your exams which is due approximately six months prior and this will be paid directly to the exam centre.
Request More Information about IGCSE English as a Second Language
FAQs
Will I find this course hard?
If your are new to English, you might initially find the extended writing and wide range of vocabulary challenging. It helps if you enjoy reading books, watch films or TV programmes in English and practise speaking with friends.
The course differs from other English courses as it will not require you to analyse novels or poetry. You will practise communication skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking so that you can integrate into an english-speaking environment.
Will I need to buy any books?
You will not be required to purchase any books with this course. We automatically include logins to our online e-Library, which provides access to the following premium eBooks depending on your selected course specification:
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) English as a Second Language Student Book – Nicky Winder
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language – Daphne Paizee
Don’t see the specific book you are looking for? Ask us, and we will let you know if we have it!
Which subjects should I study alongside this course?
English Literature – If your English is already strong, you may want to consider Literature as it will help devlop advanced vocabulary, comprehension and analytical thinking.
Maths – This subject is a minimum requirement for most colleges, universities and employers. Many learners run the subject alongside English.
Where can the subject take me?
The course will open doors to a variety of subjects. You may want to progress onto A Levels in subjects such as English Language, Business, Economics, Geography or Sciences.
After A Levels, degree options include English, Business Management, Engineering, Computer Science or Medicine.
If you don’t want to progress onto A Levels, you might want to consider a level 3 apprenticeship which would allow you to earn whilst you learn.
Overall the subject will develop valuable skills in critical thinking, data interpretation, decision-making and financial awareness.
Can I study this course from outside the UK?
Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge (CIE) qualifications can be taken inside and outside the UK. Content within the specification is adapted for international learners and the qualification is comparable to UK GCSE standards.
How long does the course take?
You will receive access and support for two years, however you can complete the course much sooner if you need to. Exams for this subject fall in May/June or October/Novembereach year and therefore you are able to choose which exam sitting you want to apply for. We have more information on exam timetables here.
How does this course compare to a college GCSE?
The International GCSE is taken worldwide rather than just the UK. It is equivalent to a GCSE but is often 100% exam based. See our article IGCSE vs GCSE for more information.
What can I do with IGCSE English as a Second Language
ESL has numerous benefits for non-native speakers and the wider community. For non-native speakers, learning ESL can improve their communication skills and increase their chances of employment. It also helps them integrate better into a foreign culture and society.
ESL creates a more diverse and inclusive social environment for the wider community, promoting tolerance and cross-cultural understanding. Having a large pool of ESL speakers can also help in international business dealings and diplomatic relations.