English

At the end of Year 9, all students are assessed to determine the most suitable pathway for their GCSE studies. 

This decision is based on their End of Year English results and overall progress throughout Key Stage 3.  

Depending on these factors, students will either be entered for English Language (one GCSE) or both English Language and English Literature (two GCSEs).

Examination Specifications:

• English Language - Cambridge iGCSE (0500)

  • All students need to complete their English Language GCSE

• English Literature - AQA GCSE (8702)

  • Some students will also complete an additional English Literature GCSE

How is the Course Assessed?

English Language  (0500) - Cambridge IGCSE

Course Structure

Paper 1: (50%) 

• An exam assessing reading skills including comprehension, summary, and analysis. 

• Marks also available for accuracy and fluency of writing skills. 

Coursework Portfolio (50%) – Three written assignments:

• A piece of descriptive writing 

• A piece of narrative (story) writing 

• A response to a text, analysing arguments made.

English Literature (8702)  - AQA GCSE

Course Structure

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel (40%) 

• Shakespeare’s Macbeth

• Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry (60%)

• Priestley’s An Inspector Calls 

• Power & Conflict Poetry Anthology 

• Study of unseen poetry

What is Expected of the Student?

Key Skills Developed - English Language

• Reading: Understanding, analysing, and summarising a range of texts.

• Writing: Producing clear, structured, and effective written responses. 

Key Skills Developed - English Literature

• Critical Analysis – Understanding and evaluating how writers use language, structure, and form to create meaning.

• Evidence-Based Interpretation – Developing clear arguments and supporting ideas with well-selected quotations.

• Contextual Understanding – Exploring how historical and cultural contexts influence texts and themes.