GCSE ENGLISH
Course Description and Assessment details
Students can opt to pursue two different paths in GCSE English. Students can study for two GCSE qualifications in English Language and Literature or they can opt to concentrate on one GCSE; GCSE English. Most students will be advised to opt for the two GCSE route.
Please note it is not possible to study GCSE English Language in isolation, nor is it possible to combine GCSE English and English Literature.
GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature
The assessment in English Language consists of 60% controlled assessment and 40% examination.
Controlled assessment focuses on the following areas of study: Studying Written Language, Using Language and Spoken Language Study (40%) Speaking and Listening (20%).
The examination tests a student’s ability to read, understand and analyse non-fiction texts, and to write clearly and in different styles.
The assessment in English Literature consists of 25% controlled assessment and 75% examination. The controlled assessment task requires students to compare a Shakespeare play and a bank of pre-selected poetry on a theme universal to all texts. The examination tests a student’s understanding of a modern prose and Drama text (e.g. An Inspector Calls) in addition to a text which explores a different culture (e.g. Of Mice and Men). Students will also have to respond to unseen poem.
This course will aim to develop students’ skills as readers, writers and speakers - they will learn how to understand and analyse text from a literary perspective.
GCSE English
The assessment in English Language consists of 60% controlled assessment and 40% examination.
The Reading and Writing controlled assessment focuses on English in the world of the imagination. This involves the study of a Shakespeare play, a bank of poetry and two open writing tasks (40%). For Speaking and Listening (20%) students are required to complete an individual, group and Drama based assessment.
The examination (40%) tests a student’s ability to read, understand and analyse texts, and to write clearly and in different styles.
All units are available to sit in January and June. Students are able to re-sit each Unit once if necessary. Students are entered for the exams in June of Year 10 for both pathways.
Progress Routes and Careers
English GCSE is a basic qualification for a wide range of jobs because it demonstrates competence in using language. Many employers and most Further Education courses require GCSE Grades A*-C. If a student wishes to go on to study at an institute of Higher Education, he or she will need A*, A, B or C in English. English Literature is not required by many employers as a qualification, but it is very useful if a student wants to go on to Further or Higher Education. It is necessary if a student wishes to study A-Level English Literature or English Language.