English Language and English Literature GCSE (AQA Examination Board)

Overview

The aim of these courses is to help the students to develop their understanding, use and enjoyment of the English language. The key skills are reading, writing, speaking and listening. The course leads to two separate GCSE qualifications at the end of Year 11. There is an element of overlap in both examination and coursework texts and the two subjects are taught together, by the same teacher, in five periods per week. Each year group is divided into four teaching classes; on average each class comprises 12 students. There is extra help available when a need is identified and we have qualified support staff within the department.

Syllabus content and assessment

The content of both courses is assessed through examinations and controlled assessments. Controlled assessment has replaced coursework and will be written work produced in controlled conditions during lessons. There will be controlled assessment pieces for both GCSEs and these will count towards the students’ final GCSE grades.

English Language:

One written exam – 40% of the total marks:

• Understanding Non-Fiction and Media texts
  This exam will consist of a Reading section and a Writing section.

Speaking and Listening controlled assessment – 20% of the total marks:

• Pupils will be assessed on three separate oral activities.

Written controlled assessment – 40% of the total marks:
       A. Extended Reading;
       B. Creative Writing (two pieces);
       C. Spoken Language Study.

English Literature:

Two written exams – 75% of the total marks:

• Exploring Modern Texts: e.g. The Crucible and Mister Pip/Purple Hibiscus.
• Poetry Across Time: Poetry from the Moon on the Tides anthology and an unseen poem.

Written controlled assessment – 25% of the total marks:

• Shakespeare and the Literary Heritage: e.g. Much Ado About Nothing/Othello.

Further study

Dependent on grades achieved at GCSE, all students can study English Literature A-Level in the Sixth Form.