Entry Level In English Certificate

What is the purpose of this course?

This course takes place in Year 10 with exams taken near the end of the academic year. The WJEC Entry Level Certificate in English is designed for learners for whom GCSE and equivalent vocational qualifications are not deemed the most appropriate pathway. The qualification will assess the reading, writing and communication skills that learners will need in their everyday lives, in the world of work, and in other curriculum areas. It provides learners with a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study.

The course has been written to meet, where appropriate, the Programme of Study requirements for National Curriculum English at Key Stage 4. It recognises, however, that the National Curriculum allows material to be selected from earlier key stages to enable individual learners to progress and demonstrate achievement. Where such material is used, it is presented in contexts suitable for older learners. The course will prepare learners for further studies in English, e.g. GCSE English Language, or vocational courses requiring communication skills.

After completing the course in Year 10, the intention is for pupils to move on to studying for GCSE English Language in Year 11.

How are pupils assessed?

Pupils are assessed across three components. Each component is outlined below.

Component 1

Written Examination: 1 hour

25% of qualification - 40 marks

This component is comprised of two equally-weighted sections:

Section A: Non-literary Reading (20 marks)

A mix of short answer questions, structured questions and multiple-choice questions in response to two or three short texts, including at least one non-continuous text.

Candidates' understanding will be tested by their ability to:

• retrieve information

• identify and summarise main points

• interpret information

• make simple deductions/inferences.

Section B: Functional Writing (20 marks)

Two tasks: one short task and one extended writing task based on everyday uses of English in the contexts of education, work or life.

15 of the 20 marks will be awarded for the candidates' communicating and organising in the texts they write; 5 of the 20 marks will be awarded for the candidates' accuracy of writing.

Text types may include, but not be limited to: forms, emails, letters, notices, reports, articles, messages, etc.

Candidates will be asked to write to:

• give opinions

• persuade

• inform.

This component is externally set and externally assessed by WJEC.

Component 2

Topic Tests: 4 x 30 mins

60% of qualification - 4 x 20 marks

Candidates must complete each of the four topic tests set by WJEC at a time during the course determined by the centre.

Topic Test 1: Response to twentieth/twenty-first century prose (20 marks)

A mixture of low tariff short response questions and one extended response to an unseen extract from twentieth or twenty-first century prose.

Candidates will be required to:

• identify and locate facts, ideas, information and opinions in texts

• understand and express opinions.

Completion time: 30 minutes, plus ten minutes reading time.

Topic Test 2: Editing and sequencing (20 marks)

Cloze and sequencing activities, incorporating sorting and matching, to demonstrate verbal reasoning and understanding. There will be one 10 mark cloze exercise (editing) and three short questions for 10 marks on sequencing.

Candidates will be required to:

• show understanding of contextualised meaning

• use knowledge of language to sequence events/instructions.

Completion time: 30 minutes

Topic Test 3: Narrative writing (20 marks)

One from a choice of two titles that will encourage candidates to entertain the reader.

15 of the 20 marks will be awarded for the candidates' communicating and organising in the text they write; 5 of the 20 marks will be awarded for the candidates' accuracy of writing.

Candidates will be required to:

• write creatively and imaginatively

• spell and use language and punctuation accurately.

Completion time: 30 minutes

Topic Test 4: Proofreading (20 marks)

Two equally-weighted proofreading exercises carrying 10 marks each, in which candidates will be assessed on the accuracy of their spelling, punctuation and

grammar.

Candidates will be required to:

• identify and correct inaccurate spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Completion time: 30 minutes

This component is externally set, internally assessed and externally moderated by WJEC. A sample of completed assessments will be required for moderation.

Component 3

Practical Assessment: 2 x 2 hours

15% of qualification - 40 marks

This assessment gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their communication skills practically. WJEC will provide two tasks, each in two parts. Candidates are required to complete both tasks in their entirety at a time during the course determined by the centre.

Task 1: Presenting a point of view (20 marks)

In response to the topic set by WJEC, candidates will communicate ideas and information in the two parts: the group discussion and then in the individual

presentation. Candidates should use the group discussion as an opportunity to explore the topic in further detail before presenting their ideas and opinions

individually. It is possible for the discussion to take place between the teacher and the candidate where the candidate is uncomfortable with group work.

Stimulus material on the topic can be shared with the candidates one week before they complete the task. This will assist them to think of ideas about the topic but they can also refer to other relevant issues and may wish to undertake research. Teachers can offer guidance and general advice to candidates about undertaking the task in the week before the assessment.

i) Group Discussion (10 marks)

Following their collaborative preparation time, candidates will discuss different viewpoints in response to the topic set by WJEC. Candidates may make notes in the preparation stage that they can use to inform both parts of this task. The teacher should intervene to ensure that all members of the group are contributing and can therefore be assessed.

Candidates will be required to:

• express opinions on the topic with other members of the group

• give reasons for their opinions

• respond to the contributions of others.

Candidates should spend a proportion of the one hour for this part of the task in their groups preparing for their discussion prior to the formal assessment

starting. The discussion should last between five and ten minutes.

ii) Individual Presentation (10 marks)

After completing the group discussion, candidates will prepare for their individual presentation. They may use visual aids or PowerPoint but only as a resource to facilitate the presentation.

Candidates will be required to:

• communicate in a logical and structured way

• convey information to clarify the audience’s understanding

• persuade the audience to agree with their views.

Candidates should spend a proportion of the time remaining of the one hour for the total task independently preparing for their presentation prior to the

formal assessment starting. The presentation should last between two and four minutes.

Task 2: The World of Work (20 marks)

In response to the job specification set for this task by WJEC, candidates will participate in two parts of a mock interview: an interview presentation and then a

panel interview. Candidates should think about their own qualities, interests and experiences that would make them a suitable candidate. The job specification can be shared with candidates one week before they complete the task. This will assist them to think of how they might fit the job description. They may wish to undertake research about the particular area of work. Teachers can offer guidance and general advice to candidates about undertaking the task in the week before the assessment.

i) Interview Presentation (10 marks)

Following their preparation time, candidates will individually present on the question set by WJEC as part of this mock interview. They may use visual aids or PowerPoint but only as a resource to facilitate the presentation.

Candidates will be required to:

• adapt their presentation skills to the formal context

• use appropriate tone/language

• present information relevant to the task.

Candidates should spend a proportion of the one hour for this part of the task in groups or individually preparing their presentation prior to the formal assessment starting. The presentation should last between two and four minutes.

ii) Panel Interview (10 marks)

Following their preparation time, candidates will respond to the teacher (and learner) interview panel who will pose the series of questions set by WJEC as part of this mock interview. Teachers may ask supplementary questions to assist candidates in developing more detailed responses.

Candidates will be required to:

• respond to questions with growing confidence

• provide detail and information as requested

• use appropriate tone/language.

Candidates should spend a proportion of the time independently preparing for their interview prior to the formal assessment starting. The interview should last between three and five minutes.

This component is externally set, internally assessed and externally moderated by

WJEC. A sample of completed assessments will be required for moderation.

Links

WJEC - Entry Level in English Certificate - Course Specification

For more information about this subject please contact:

Mr Crosthwaite (Second in English)