English

What will I do in this GCSE?

Over our two year course, students experience reading and writing a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts. These skills are taught in preparation for their examinations at the end of Year 11 and life beyond school. Pupils will be given unseen extracts which they will need to comprehend, analyse, evaluate and compare. In writing, they are asked to create pieces of writing that include; descriptive writing, narrative writing and a range of transactional writing formats. 

How will I be assessed?

The GCSE for English Language has two examinations at the end of Year 11. Throughout the two years students will be exposed to a selection of past exam papers to ensure they are prepared and confident when sitting their final exams. 

Language Paper 1 is titled ‘Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing’ and is worth 80 marks (50% of the total GCSE grade). For Section A of this paper, pupils are given an unseen extract from a novel and have to answer 4 questions totalling 40 marks testing their comprehension, analysis and evaluative skills. Pupils will then create their own piece of creative writing (descriptive or narrative) for Section B which also totals 40 marks.

Language Paper 2 is titled ‘Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives’ and is worth 80 marks (50% of the total GCSE grade). For Section A of this paper, pupils are given two unseen extracts that are examples of non-fiction texts. Similar to Paper 1, pupils then answer 4 questions totalling 40 marks that test their comprehension, analysis and comparative skills. Pupils will then create their own piece of non-fiction writing for Section B which also totals 40 marks. 

Pupils will also complete a Spoken Language Assessment which assesses their speaking and listening skills. This assessment consists of pupils creating a speech (or short presentation) and presenting it in a formal manner in front of a small group. This gives pupils a separate qualification from their GCSE grade and is something that shows sixth forms, colleges, universities and employers that the pupil can communicate effectively in a verbal manner.

Is there anything else I should consider and what are the career pathways?

English will open doors for students as it fosters ingenuity, creativity and encourages empathy.. Opportunities open up quickly for those who handle language confidently, as employers need effective and confident communicators. Specialist English studies contribute to a career in Law; Media; Journalism; Politics; Marketing and Teaching.

Links

AQA English Language GCSE Specification

For more information about this subject please contact:

Mr Crosthwaite (Second in English)