Key Stage 4
English Language
Exam Board: AQA
The GCSE English Language course encourages students to read a great range of high quality, challenging literature and non-fiction texts from a range of genres and types (from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries) as well as to write clearly, coherently and accurately using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.
Each examination paper has a distinct identity on the course:
- Paper 1, Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing, looks at how writers use narrative and descriptive techniques to engage the interest of readers.
- Paper 2, Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives, looks at how different writers present a similar topic over time.
Each paper is split into two sections:
Reading:
- Students will analyse a range of Literary, unseen modern and pre 20th century non-fiction and extracts for the reading sections of the exams.
Writing:
- On English Language Paper 1 students will write one creative text, either a description or narrative.
- On English Language Paper 2 students will be required to write one non-fiction text such as an article, letter, discursive essay or a speech for a specified audience and purpose.
The GCSE English Language course also emphasises the importance of the wider benefits that speaking and listening skills have for students. Students will undertake a formal speaking and listening assessment to complete their qualification.
There are no set texts for this part of the course although students should read a variety of non-fiction and literary texts to prepare them for the demands of the course. English qualifications open doors to sixth form courses, college courses and are highly regarded by UCAS and employers. Some careers involving English skills include journalism, publishing, law and marketing.
Assessment
100% examination. Each examination is equally weighted.
The specification offers a skills-based approach to the study of English Language in an untiered context. Questions are designed to take students on an assessment journey through lower tariff tasks to more extended responses.
- English Language Paper 1 80 Marks 50% of GCSE (1 hour 45 mins)
- English Language Paper 2 80 Marks 50% of GCSE (1 hour 45 mins)
- Non- examination Assessment on Spoken Language: Formal presentation set by the class teacher
Throughout the course students will complete assessments linked to exam questions and criteria.
English Literature
Exam Board: AQA
The GCSE English Literature course encourages students to develop knowledge and skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. Through literature, students have a chance to develop culturally and acquire knowledge of the best that has been thought and written. Studying GCSE English Literature encourages students to read widely for pleasure, and as a preparation for studying literature at a higher level.
Paper 1: Shakespeare and Nineteenth Century Novel 64 Marks 40% of GCSE (1hour, 45 minutes)
Section A: Shakespeare
Students will answer one question on the play they have studied. Students will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole.
Section B: The 19th Century Novel
Students will answer one question on the novel they have studied. Students will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole.
Paper 2: Modern Texts 96 Marks 60% of GCSE (2 hours, 15 minutes)
Section A: Modern Texts
Students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on a modern prose or drama text.
Section B: Poetry
Students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from the chosen anthology cluster.
Section C: Unseen Poetry
Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.
Students will be required to buy set texts to be annotated in class – letters will be sent out with further information on these. English qualifications open doors to sixth form, college courses and are highly regarded by UCAS and employers. Some careers involving English skills include journalism, publishing, law and marketing.
Assessment
100% examination — two exams at the end of Year 11. Throughout the course students will complete practice exam-style questions.