English Language (GCSE)

Exam Board: AQA

Course Overview:

A course where students develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

Course Content:

Students learn to read, understand and analyse a wide range of different fiction and non-fiction texts 

covering the 19th, 20th and 21st century time periods as well as to write clearly, coherently and accurately 

using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.

Assessment Structure:

• 100% terminal assessment

• Paper 1 Creative Reading and Writing: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of final grade

• Paper 2 Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of final grade

• Spoken Language Certificate: Teacher assessed throughout the course 

Career Prospects and Transferable Skills:

This core subject is compulsory for all students leading to a qualification, which acts as a gateway to future possibilities and choices.  The majority of colleges, Sixth Forms and future employers require a minimum grade 5 in this subject as it is the primary means of communication in the UK and therefore enables us to express ourselves with appropriate clarity and precision both orally and in writing.  Reading lies at the heart of the English curriculum and the delivery of this KS4 course in the knowledge that access to a range of different texts is a necessary skill for life. You will develop vital thinking skills by learning to read texts critically.  In turn, the study of both fiction and nonfiction will enable you to transfer, shape and craft effective communication skills learnt to your work across the full range of subjects studied as well as future career paths.  Emphasis is also placed on the need for accuracy and clarity by learning the essential rules of spelling, grammar and punctuation.

This qualification will aid success in any career, as the world of work always requires us to communicate with others and work as part of a team.  If it proves to be a subject you are passionate about, you may consider a career in the following: 

• Academia

• Advertising and marketing

• Business

• Consultancy

• Foreign Languages

• Government

• Law

• Linguistics

• Media and Design

• Performing arts

• Teaching

• Writing and journalism

Further Information: Katy Edwards (Director of English) - email: katy.edwards@scwa.org.uk