Choices at HELP International School

English Language 0500 | 1 GCSE

Overview

English Language is designed for learners whose mother tongue is English. The course allows learners to:

develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively
use a wide range of vocabulary, and the correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.

Learners are encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as synthesis, inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.

All students studying the English First Language course will study the Literature (0475) course as well. The benefits of Literature complementing the English First Language course, and vice versa, are plentiful.

IGCSE ENGLISH LANG.m4v

Course Content

The two-year course will develop and build upon skills learnt for the Year 9 Checkpoint test. We will cover a range of topics including:

reading strategies
ability to infer and deduce
analysis of language and how writers craft their texts
how to recognise text types
creative writing
writing to inform/persuade/argue
responding to texts
writing with accuracy
articulating experience and expressing what is thought, felt and imagined
presenting facts, ideas and opinions in a cohesive order which sustains the audience’s interest

By the end of the course, students should have a thorough understanding of how to approach a wide range of texts. They will be able to approach both fiction and non-fiction with confidence and to determine the message being conveyed by the writer. Students will also become more confident writers, gaining experience of writing in a variety of styles and genres.

Assessment

Paper 1: Reading - 2-hour exam

Paper 2: Directed Writing & Composition - 2-hour exam

Component 4: Speaking and Listening Test (separately endorsed)- Approx. 10–12 minutes

Progression

Candidates who are awarded grades A* to C in Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (Extended) are well prepared to follow courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Level English, or the equivalent.

Most colleges will require a minimum of a C grade in English Language to progress to A-Levels, foundation courses and university places.

Component 4 (Speaking and Listening), meanwhile, is separately endorsed with grades of 1 (high) to 5 (low). Marks for Component 4 do not contribute to a candidate’s overall grade.

This subject will prepare students looking to pursue careers in journalism, publishing, editing, writing, marketing, managing, PR and many more.

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