English 

Overview – 

GCSE English language and English literature are mandatory subjects that all students will study across key stage 4. At the end of key stage 4, students will sit two exams for both language and literature, being awarded a separate GCSE grade for each. Students need to achieve at least a grade 4 to ensure they do not re-sit the English language course in post-16 education.

English Language

The course covers the following topics:

Reading unseen texts from 19th, 20th and 21st century

Creative writing

Writing persuasively

Analytical writing skills

Speaking and Listening skills

English Literature

The course covers the following topics:

Macbeth

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

An Inspector Calls

Power and conflict poetry

Unseen poetry

Assessment – 

All students are entered for both English language and English literature GCSE. The papers are not tiered; therefore, students can achieve grade 1 to 9.

The English language qualification consists of two equally weighted papers of 1 hour and 45 minutes each. Both papers feature reading and writing tasks.  Additionally, there is a speaking and listening component where students are required to prepare and deliver a speech on a topic of their choice before answering questions on that topic. This is completed in year 10.

The English Literature qualification consists of two papers. Paper one is 1 hour 45 minutes and focuses on Macbeth and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Students will be provided with an extract to analyse and then are required to write about the rest of the text. Paper two is 2 hours and 15 minutes and focuses on poetry and An Inspector Calls; students are required to know the characters, plot and key quotes from all of the texts to respond to a question on a character or a theme.

Subject links – 

The English GCSE has strong links with any written subject – particularly humanities subjects. The exploration of plays lends itself to drama.

Careers – 

English is important for all careers. Success in English is essential if you are thinking about working in the field of creative writing, journalism, law, social media, teaching or public services (such as the police, fire service or the NHS).

For further information, please contact –

Head of faculty – Chris Webb-Cook      Email - info@ipswichacademy.org.uk