GCSE English - Language and Literature

Subject Leader - Mrs T Cheema

Why study English?

The importance of achieving a GCSE in English cannot be overstated: attainment of an English GCSE is a requirement of the majority of courses offered by Sixth Form and Further Education colleges. Increasingly, the achievement of a good grade in an English GCSE is also a requirement of many employers in both the public and private sector. The ability to communicate effectively is, arguably, the skill most central to success in later life. All students at Richard Challoner School will be entered for both AQA GCSE English Language and AQA GCSE English Literature.

English Language

The English Language GCSE assesses a student’s abilities in speaking and listening, reading, writing and interpreting a range of fiction and non-fiction texts. Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in creative writing, presenting facts, ideas and opinions, and they will be required to respond to a range of challenging texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st century.

Assessment: External examination - 100%.

English Literature

The English Literature GCSE assesses the study of poetry, modern prose, drama (including Shakespeare), and texts from the English Literary Heritage. Students will experience a range of Literature with a wide variety of appeal drawn from contemporary and modern texts, texts from across the globe and texts which have had a significant influence on our English literary and cultural heritage.

Assessment: External examination - 100%.