KS4 (GCSE) Curriculum

Students will take two GCSEs for English: Language and Literature.  We follow the Edexcel exam board for both GCSEs.  Students will be taught Language and Literature within the same lessons as there is a lot of overlap between the skills that students need to demonstrate in the two subjects.  

Language GCSE - Edexcel 1ENo

Studying English Language develops students’ skills in reading comprehension, analysing writers’ choices, comparing texts, and evaluating viewpoints. They learn to craft clear, purposeful writing for different audiences, use language effectively, organise ideas coherently, and speak confidently — building communication, creativity and critical thinking.

Students will sit two exams for Language:

• Language Paper 1: 19th Century Fiction and Imaginative Writing

• Language Paper 2: Non-fiction and Transactional Writing

Literature GCSE - Edexcel 1ET0 

Studying Literature develops students’ skills in critical reading, analysis of language and structure, comparison of texts, and understanding writers’ methods. They learn to interpret themes, evaluate viewpoints, explore context, and express ideas clearly and coherently — building confidence, independence, and a deeper appreciation of literature.

Students will study a range of texts including a play, novel and poetry:

• Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare

• Lord of the Flies by William Golding

• Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by R.L Stevenson

• Conflict anthology - a selection of poems

Students will sit two exams for Literature:

• Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature

• Literature Paper 2: 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789