English Language
Why study English Language?
English Language provides plenty of opportunities for you to develop your creative writing skills, with a focus on descriptive writing, writing to persuade and writing to inform. Equally, you will be exploring the power and influence of language from the nineteenth century to the present day. Central to the course is the idea that language is shaped by, and a reflection of, our perception of the world. Spoken Language is a separate qualification, which allows you to hone your verbal communication skills. English Language is an essential qualification if you wish to further your education.
This qualification is intended for those who have English as a first language. If you have English as a second language, the IGCSE English as a Second language is likely to be more suitable.
What will I study in Year 10?
Non-Fiction Extracts
Students will study the non-fiction texts from Section 1 of the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE anthology.
Assessment objectives:
Familiarise yourself with Language Paper 1 and the structure of the questions.
Discover the skills needed for Qs 1-3, using a range of unseen non-fiction texts.
Practise comparing non-fiction texts and approaching Q5.
AO1 - read and understand a variety of texts, selecting and interpreting information, ideas and perspectives.
AO2 - understand and analyse how writers use linguistic and structural devices to achieve their effects.
AO3 - explore links and connections between
writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed.
Imaginative Writing
Students will experiment with different styles and genres, inspired by non-fiction extracts and poems
studied. They will then develop one piece into a piece of imaginative writing coursework.
Assessment objectives:
AO4 - communicate effectively and imaginatively, adapting form, tone and register of writing for specific purposes and audiences.
AO5 - write clearly, using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, with appropriate paragraphing and accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation.
What will I study in Year 11?
Poetry & Prose Texts
Students will study all of the poetry and prose texts from Part 2 of the anthology. Pupils will write a piece of coursework about three of the poetry and prose texts studied.
Assessment objectives:
AO1- Read and understand a variety of
texts, selecting and interpreting information,
ideas and perspectives.
AO2- Understand and analyse how
writers use linguistic and structural devices.
Transactional Writing
Students will revise non-fiction extracts and Paper 1 skills, focusing on transactional writing skills.
AO4 - communicate effectively and imaginatively, adapting form, tone and register of writing for specific purposes and audiences.
AO5 - write clearly, using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, with appropriate paragraphing and accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation.
How will I be assessed?
The IGCSE will be assessed by means of examination and coursework.
Paper 1: Non-fiction Texts & Transactional Writing (60%)
Section A: Reading - a mixture of short- and long- answer questions related to a non-fiction text from Part 1 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology and one previously unseen extract. 45 marks
Section B: Transactional Writing - one 45-mark writing task, from a choice of two, involving a given audience, form or purpose. 45 marks
The total number of marks available is 90.
The assessment duration is 2 hours 15 minutes.
Students will be provided with the anthology text in the examination.
Component 3: Poetry & Prose Texts & Imaginative Writing (40%)
Internal assessment: coursework
Assignment A: Poetry & Prose Texts - one 30-mark essay question based on three poetry or prose texts from Part 2 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.
Assignment B: Imaginative Writing - one 30-mark imaginative writing task.
The examination is the International GCSE (IGCSE) in English Language.
The exam board is Pearson Edexcel and the specification number is 4EA1. You may read the full specification here.
What else should I know?
All students must study English Language at GCSE level.
A pass in GCSE English Language is essential to studying any subject at A-Level.
If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Mrs Sarah Scanlon, Head of English, on ss@farlingtonschool.com