GCSE

GCSE Specification and Curriculum Overview

Exam Specification

Overview

The English department adopts the philosophy of a five year curriculum, with the final two years focusing exclusively on the two GCSE qualifications: English Language and English Literature. In this way, requisite GCSE-standard skills are embedded throughout Key Stage 3 and, by Year 9, pupils are applying these key skills to a range of GCSE-standard texts. In doing so, we ensure that the transition between the key stages is as smooth as possible, and that our pupils have the best chance of success in Years 10 and 11.

Studying English Language and English Literature will require pupils to do the following: 

• read critically, and use knowledge gained from wider reading to inform and improve their own writing 

• write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately  

• use grammar correctly 

• punctuate and spell accurately 

• acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language 

• read a wide range of texts, challenging literature and non-fiction texts from a range of genres and types (from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries) fluently and with good understanding. The texts will be taken from a range of genres and used to support students in developing their own writing by providing effective models. The texts used in English Language examinations will be “unseen”, that is, students will not have studied them during the course. 

• answer questions which show their ability to do the following: 

a) develop the skill of critical reading and comprehension, summary and synthesis 

b) evaluate writers’ choices of vocabulary, form, grammatical and structural features 

c) compare two or more texts. 

In their writing, students will need to use clear and coherent writing for impact. 

GCSE English Language 

(specification: AQA 8700)

Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing. Assessment: Section A (25%): Reading – one literature fiction text; Section B (25%): Writing – descriptive or narrative writing. Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 80 marks 50% of GCSE 

Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives. Assessment: Section A: Reading – one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text; Section B: Writing – writing to present a viewpoint. Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 80 marks 50% of GCSE 

Paper 3: Spoken Language Endorsement. This consists of a presentation during which the following skills are assessed: 

a) presenting

b) responding to questions and feedback

c) use of Standard English. 

(Tasks are set and assessed by the pupils’ teachers throughout the course. A descriptor (pass/merit/distinction) for this separate endorsement is shown on the GCSE certificate, but this does not count towards the students' final grade.)

GCSE English Literature 

(specification: AQA 8702)

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel.  (Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes /64 marks /40% of GCSE. )

Section A Shakespeare: pupils will answer one question on one play. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole. 

Section B The 19th-century novel: pupils will answer one question on one novel. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole. 

Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry.  (Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes / 96 marks / 60% of GCSE. )

Section A Modern texts: pupils will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied modern prose or drama text. 

Section B Poetry: students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from their chosen anthology cluster. S

Section C Unseen poetry: Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem. 

Time, Equipment and Expenses

Pupils are expected to complete two pieces of homework each week that will entail a variety of tasks. Each piece of homework is expected to take 45 to 60 minutes. From Year 9 onwards, pupils will need to purchase their own copies of the prescribed texts in order to annotate them; a list of correct editions is supplied at the start of each year. They may also wish to purchase their own study guides to supplement their studies. (c.£30)  As part of the preparation for the examinations, pupils will be expected to attend revision courses. They will also be given the opportunity to see any relevant theatrical performances and participate in other cultural events that may arise. Theatre visits and cultural events are highly recommended. (c.£30 per visit) A creative writing weekend is likely to be organised during Year 10. This is optional. (c.£150) 

For further information, please contact Ms Harris, Head of English.

GCSE English Revision Pod: https://podtail.com/en/podcast/gcse-english-revisionpod

A useful series of podcasts and discussions on our studied GCSE texts. Handy for revision purposes and for essay planning.

Teaching English Blog: https://madameanglaise.wordpress.com/

A useful collection of blogs on two of our studied GCSE texts. Particularly useful for additional insights into the anthology poems.

Department Materials: 

Throughout the course, your teacher will email you the relevant materials for your revision, including the presentations used during your lessons.