Further Studies English
Secure your competitive edge and get a head start for university with Further Studies English (Advanced Programme English).
From R981.15 per month (alternative payment plans available)
Wondering whether Further Studies English is right for you?
The purpose of the additional (IEB) Grade 9 – 12 subject Further Studies English (AP English) is to provide learners with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of English through exposure to challenging poetry, films and texts (novels and plays). Like our other Further Studies subjects, Further Studies English prepares learners to cope with the demands associated with university. This will help them to compete at an international level and to differentiate themselves from other applicants, thereby increasing their chance of getting into their university degree of choice when places in that degree programme are limited.
- Become more comfortable with English Home Language and, thus, improve your results.
- Get a head start on difficult university topics including poetry, films, writing and philosophy.
- Improve your university application by standing out from other candidates.
- Develop your independent study skills and critical thinking in preparation for university.
- Open doors to international universities.
- Learners with a strong English Home Language competency level.
- Learners with an interest in English literature who want to extend themselves.
- Learners who want to better their English Home Language results by extending themselves.
- Learners who want to better prepare themselves for tertiary study.
- Learners who want to differentiate themselves when applying to universities.
- Learners who are looking to apply to international universities.
- Study at your own pace anytime, anywhere.
- Learn from expertly-designed curriculum and video lessons.
- Revise concepts as much and as frequently as needed.
- Test your understanding through online quizzes and sample questions.
- Access AP English educators to help you reach your learning goals.
- Track your learning through comprehensive reports and feedback from your educators.
Just recently the IEB announced the launch of their newest qualification – the IEB International Secondary Certificate (IEB-ISC). Along with this launch, the IEB has taken the decision to rename the Advanced Programmes as Further Studies from 2022. These qualifications have already been benchmarked by UK-ENIC as comparable to the overall GCE Advanced level (A-level) standard, just as the Advanced Programmes have been for a number of years.
Along with the name change are some other notable changes. The pass mark for Further Studies subjects is 50% (previously 40%). While there is no significant impact on AP English aside from the shift in the pass mark, there are more significant changes for AP Maths.
Further Studies English (AP English) Learning Streams
Live Online lessons
Live Online lessons are for learners who want a regular structure to learning Further Studies English by attending weekly online live lessons.
- Learners can engage and ask questions like they would in a classroom environment.
- Attendance and progress are tracked in line with the live online lesson programme.
- Lessons are recorded and made available to all our Further Studies English learners.
For schools
Advantage Learn has provided schools across South Africa with Further Studies English. If your school is looking to outsource Further Studies English, you’re in good hands.
We have school packages available and will be happy to engage with you around a bespoke package for your school.
Learn more about our school packages.
Course details
*Pay by 5 January 2025 to retain your early bird discount.
Term dates
Our Further Studies English programme works on a 4-term calendar. All lessons, tests and examinations work within a 4-term school calendar and we strive, as far as possible to ensure that our 3-term school learners are accommodated in our lesson and assessment dates.
Pricing
Further Studies English fees are paid annually and cost the same for grades 9 to 12. Learners commit to the programme each year and can pay via one of the various payment methods outlined in the table below.
| Discounts | Payment plan | Frequency | Cost per payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | Per month (starts February 2025, ends November 2025 - 10 payments by debit order) | Over 10 payments | R981.15 |
| 0% | Per semester* | Over two payments | R4,905.73 |
| 10% | Upfront for the year | Once-off annual payment | R8,830.31 |
| 17% | Early Bird! Apply by 31 December 2024 to be eligible for the upfront early bird discount. | Once-off annual payment | R8,143.51 |
Textbook
The Further Studies English Programme offers a textbook authored by subject matter experts. The textbook is used in tandem with the online lessons to ensure learners can benefit from the most comprehensive and up-to-date Further Studies English learning materials available.
This write-on textbook is included in the programme costs.
* If you join during the course of the programme your semesterly payment will be adjusted and will be calculated at the point of joining.
Live Online lessons timetable per grade
The live online lessons are held weekly. In these lessons, Grade 9-12 learners will be guided, in a single class, by their Further Studies English educators, Chanelle Peverett and Natasha Ferreira. Before each lesson, learners will be given notes for their upcoming session to enable them to download and print them or have them available on their devices before the lesson.
| Lessons | Grade 9 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Day | Tuesday |
| Time | 17:30 - 19:30 |
Modules and programme details
Further Studies English is designed and taught by experts in Further Studies English
Like university degrees, the Further Studies English curriculum is broken down into elective modules: prose, drama and film.
However, our Further Studies English syllabus, designed by our LEARN TO LINK educator, Chanelle Peverett, is structured to include all three electives (i.e. prose, drama and film) so that the students have exposure to all electives and can then make an informed decision during their Grade 12 year. Similarly, for the Poetry section, students are required to choose only two prescribed schools of poetry. Again, they will not be able to make an informed choice if they are not exposed, initially, to more than two schools of poetry. As a result, the programme is also more comprehensive and truly appeals to students who wish to display greater knowledge and depth of insight in a wide variety of genres, whilst developing a deeper love and appreciation for English.
Assessments
According to the Further Studies English Handbook, no evidence of school-based assessment is required. Learners will write only one three-hour examination at the end of their Grade 12 year. However, annually, all students are given two opportunities to write an exam, be assessed and receive valuable feedback. Students in Grade 9-11 are given the opportunity to write a June and November examination.
Further Studies English Includes
- Recordings of the weekly online live lessons
- Support from our team of Further Studies English teachers via live chat
- Assessments, reporting and feedback
- End-of-year completion certificates
5% discount for joining multiple subjects
If you apply to join multiple subjects and your application is successful, you will receive a 5% discount on each additional subject you are taking with us. Terms and conditions apply.
Learners can join Advantage Learn for Further Studies English from the beginning of 2025 by successful application only.
Lesson preview
Taught and designed by subject matter experts
Chanelle Peverett, BAEd, BA Eng Hons
Degree Majors: English, Afrikaans, Zulu and Education (BA) and English Literature (Honours)
Institution: RAU (Now University of Johannesburg), South Africa
Graduated: 1997
Teaching experience
- FS English educator and course co-ordinator at LEARN TO LINK since 2010
- English Olympiad trainer since 1997
- English Home Language Educator since 1997
- Previous English Home Language Subject Specialist for Umalusi (Quality assurer of the National Senior Certificate)
- Previous English Home Language Educator at Northcliff High School (DBE), St Catherine’s School (IEB) among others
- Previous HOD at St Catherine’s School (IEB)
- Previous English First Language Educator at Andrews Academy up to A-Level (Cambridge) and at Alma Mater College (Cambridge)
- Presenter of English component for First-Year University students on ‘Open Varsity’ on SABC2
- Previous English Language Trainer of teaching internship students
- Corporate Trainer and Co-ordinator of English Business Writing Skills
- Presenter of English Home Language Grade 12 Revision programmes for IIEMSA
- Self-published My Little V-Book (self-development, personalised dictionary)
Natasha Ferreira MA
Degree Majors: Ancient Greek (MA) and English Literature, Philosophy, Ancient Greek (BA)
Institution: University of Pretoria, South Africa
Graduated: 2020
Teaching experience
- FS English educator at LEARN TO LINK since 2017
- English Olympiad trainer since 2018
- English tutor at LEARN TO LINK since 2017
- Part-time lecturer of Ancient Greek at University of Pretoria since 2020
- Previous Ancient Greek tutor at University of Pretoria
- Previous English Language Development facilitator for the More Than A Teacher programme
Reviews
Amazing program!! Love it so much
- keona.duthie -
14 Nov 2023
The program was really enjoyable and I've learnt a lot from it and it has also helped in my school exams but sometimes the video does not load when I'm trying to load it on my phone and I've spent like 1 hour on the same video because it is not loading, but other than that I feel like it has really helped me to widen my horizon on different topics an this year I've left with way more knowledge than when I first started the program and it has been amazing
- dangerdash4her2 -
10 Nov 2023
User-friendly and professional website, easy to understand and interactive teaching, brilliant service!
- slackowen1 -
27 Oct 2023
With its professional and capable teachers and efficient learning tools, Advantage Learn certainly deserves a thumbs up.
- thandazile1976 -
16 Oct 2023
Advantage learn has helped me to perform at my best in school and it has helped me to be ahead of my teacher at school and also to teach myself
- -
14 Oct 2023
Informative lessons, quite helpful in some aspects, however I felt the lessons were quite long without sufficient breaks more especially for the AQL class.
- Mohammed Razeen Patel -
03 Oct 2022
Good experience. Helped me to achieve good marks in the NBT tests.
- Robert Orrock -
30 Sep 2022
Extremely helpful! Managed to achieve 86 for the math with the use of Advantage Learn! Highly recommend
- ammaarahadams2 -
29 Sep 2022
I found the workshop really helpful. I was well-equipped to tackle the AQL!
- Ipeleng Tshukudu -
29 Sep 2022
Advantage Learn really helped me. I gain a lot from these classes. I wish everyone should start here before writing the NBT.
- nonhloniphonosiphodlamini -
29 Sep 2022
I have enjoyed my time in learning at Advantage learn. There are so many helpful resources and the teachers are very patient and friendly. It has been tough but I enjoyed every moment.
- Mihle Manana -
27 Sep 2022
A good course, well taught administrated
- heather.mahood -
23 Sep 2022
The teacher are amazing, as they make sure that you understand what they are teaching and they do not leave any question not answered. It drastically increased my love for maths on another level, which this is evident in my school maths marks. I really enjoy this programme and would love to encourage everyone to join it
- Nosipho Mthethwa -
23 Sep 2022
I thoroughly enjoy the content of the FS Physics syllabus and enjoy the way in which it is presented. The textbooks as well as the slides are beneficial in learning about new concepts. Mr Rod is very passionate about the work and teaches in a way that captures my attention fully and allows me to understand the concepts clearly. Everyone has their own schedule and program for tests, assessments, tasks and examinations, therefore, a fixed time schedule for writing tests or exams is inconvenient. An open period of at least two weeks to write assessments could be beneficial to all students as they can then plan their time accordingly. For example, Ssir with whom I do extra IT has an open period to write tests. Assessments counting out of low marks results in a high percentage impact due to a few mistakes can be detrimental to the overall average of students. Removing marks from these tests and counting them out of less can reduce the overall average by a lot and greatly impact a student's results. Problems with a lot of steps should rather be written down and submitted to assess workings and the capabilities of the students, which will result in a more fair reflection of their ability.
- nicolebooyens -
19 Sep 2022
I take further studies physics. I am a fan of physics and intend on going far with it, in my life after high school. Often sitting in my physics class, I feel very restricted by the core physics curriculum's depth, I have always wanted more! And that's what Advantage Learn Further Studies Physics is doing for me. For example - from our thermodynamics course, I learn that the rule hot things expand and cold things contract is general - with water being one of the substances that don't follow that rule. While it sometimes feels extremely difficult to maintain my grade 11 work and extracurricular activities simultaneously with making time to attend and give my energy to further physics, I always enjoy the lessons even though they may be a bit lengthy sometimes :). Our teacher, Tyler Rodrigues explains the work concisely and encourages further discussions on contemporary research on related topics. I am quite happy with having Further Studies Physics with Advantage Learn!
- mokaetumiso -
18 Sep 2022
The most competent and reliable online school I've enrolled in.
- Eugenie Burger -
18 Sep 2022
I have really enjoyed my further studies program with advantage learn. The teachers are amazing and they are always willing to go the extra mile in order to help out. The content that you learn here, expands your way of thinking and helps to develop your problem-solving skills, which is a very useful technique to have in and out of school. Thank you.
- Kausha Pillay -
17 Sep 2022
It's great, valuable, and well run.
- saul.fox -
15 Sep 2022
It is really helpful and challenging. At school I just feel that I am not challenged but here I feel that I found my level and it is also fun and well as educative
- raghavberawala0 -
15 Sep 2022
I take Further studies in Maths & Physics. I am also in the Maths Academy. The teachers are outstanding, and I couldn't have wished for better. I have definitely improved in my core subjects and definitely recommend taking either course. Further studies in maths & Physics are incredibly challenging but the approach that the teachers at advantage learn takes to make it easy truly does help. Ever since I enrolled with the Maths Academy, I haven't seen a mark lower than a distinction in maths core. The team at Advantage Learn does make learning easier and more enjoyable and I recommend them to everyone.
- Hazeeq Patel -
15 Sep 2022
