English

Exam Board - AQA

Course Outline

The English Language GCSE offers students the opportunity to hone their reading and writing skills through the exploration of a wide range of non-fiction and fiction extracts which span the 19th, 20th and 21st century. Students will also write creatively in both parts of the exam, whether this be descriptive writing or presenting their viewpoint on a specific topic, e.g. writing a persuasive speech. 

The English Literature GCSE focuses on both 19th Century literature for our study of A Christmas Carol and a 20th century text, Lord of the Flies. As well as these two novels, we complete a Shakespearean study of Romeo and Juliet. The Literature course is completed with two poetry components: an unseen poetry response alongside the AQA Power and Conflict Anthology.

For GCSE English Literature you will study a range of texts, they are as follows:

• 19th Century novel – A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

• A Shakespeare play – Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

• A modern text – Lord of the Flies by William Golding.

• Poetry – The AQA Poetry Anthology, Power and Conflict.

Students are expected to memorise parts of each text as well as elements of the social and historical context. Therefore you will need to be self-motivated in lessons and at home and also keep your work and books organised to help with your revision.

English curriculum journey map

Our curriculum journey map will show you the journey students will take in English from Y7 through to Y11.

Exam/Coursework Details

100% exam based plus a Speaking and Listening element which is assessed in class

Exam Paper Breakdown: 

Language Paper 1:Explorations in creative reading and writing (1h 45m)

Language Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives   (1h 45m)

Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century novel (1h 45m)

Literature Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry (2h 15m)