English Language

Key Information

Upon entering Year 10, pupils follow the English Language and English Literature GCSE route through Years 10 and 11. This leads to two separate qualifications at GCSE level. English Language and English Literature are subjects named in the English Baccalaureate. 

Assessment

AQA Exam Board

100% exam at the end of Year 10 and an opportunity to re-sit in Year 11.

Subject information

English is a critical part of today’s education. We aim to help our learners develop into effective, articulate communicators, who have the skills to succeed in the 21st century.

Since 2015, the English Language course has consisted entirely of two separate exams. 

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing - 1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks)    

Section A: Reading (40 marks) 

Pupils will be required to read one literature fiction text and answer four questions based on this text.

Section B: Writing (40 marks) 

Pupils will be required to produce a piece of descriptive or narrative writing in response to an extended question.

Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives - 1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks)

Section A: Reading (40 marks)

Pupils will be required to read one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text and answer four questions based upon the two texts. 

Section B: Writing (40 marks) 

Pupils will be required to produce a piece of argumentative or persuasive writing in response to an extended question.

The assessment weighting for English Language will be:

•    Paper 1 (Explorations in Creative Writing and Reading) 50%

•    Paper 2 (Writer’s Viewpoints and Perspectives) 50%

Pupils will also be assessed in Speaking and Listening and pupils will take part in regular, assessed activities, which they will receive a separate certificate for at the end of the course.

Is this course right for me?

English is part of the core curriculum. A strong foundation in reading, writing, speaking and listening is essential in preparing ourselves for our future.

Employers say that one of the most valuable things they look for in the people who work for them is good communication skills and this means writing and presentation as well as talking. Being able to write a good cover letter, which is free from mistakes, can also be key to getting that job in the first place.

Essentially, whenever you need to persuade, inform or connect with someone, English is your best friend.

What can this lead to?

An English GCSE opens the door to numerous jobs and is required for further study at college or sixth form.

Some careers that can lead from studying English include advertising and marketing, writing and journalism, law, consultancy, business, teaching, performing arts, academia, government, linguistics, foreign languages, media and design and freelance writing. 

Links

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse