English Language

SUBJECT: ENGLISH LANGUAGE

EXAM BOARD: AQA

QUALIFICATION: GCSE

COURSE OUTLINE:

English Language is a very important GCSE, as a good grade is often a pre-requisite for college courses. The course builds towards two exams which will be taken at the end of Year 11 and will test a range of reading and writing skills. Paper 1 will include an extract from a 20^th century novel, with questions that will test their ability to analyse language, structure and critically evaluate the text. The writing task is creative with a picture stimulus and will ask students to describe or write in a narrative style. Paper 2 will include non-fiction texts from the 20^th/ 21^st century and the 19^th century. Questions related to these texts include summary and comparison. The writing task on this exam paper is transactional and will ask students to argue/ persuade or explain and inform.

The speaking and listening element no longer counts towards the final GCSE grade but will be assessed separately.

ASSESSMENT: English Language: 100% examination Examination x 2:

• Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing 50% of the mark
• Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives 50% of the mark

WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED?

• Reading with critical insight, understanding and interpretive ability
• Writing with clarity, imagination, organisation and accuracy
• Effective communication through individual oral presentation, group discussion and role-play

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/INFORMATION:

There are no tiers. All students will be entered for the same examination.

LINK TO FUTURE CAREERS:

Success in English Language is essential for entry to virtually all careers; specific careers that employ English skills include:

• Media
• Journalism
• Teaching