ENGLISH LANGUAGE – GCSE
Awarding Body: AQA
Course Code: 8700
QAN: 601/4292/3 – Click here for further information
OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE
English Language is a linear course where students sit all of their exam papers at the end of Year 11. Students are introduced to fiction and non-fiction extracts that they will be asked to explore. One of the non-fiction extracts will be from the 19th century. This qualification will enable students to develop their analytical and creative skills whilst incorporating a variety of genres, audiences, viewpoints and perspectives. This course of study is at the heart of their learning journey and will equip them with a range of reading and writing skills that are valued by employers and colleges alike.
CONTENT AND ASSESSMENT
Paper 1 – Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, worth 50% of the GCSE.
Section A: Reading – One literature fiction text
Section B: Writing – Descriptive or narrative writing
Paper 2 – Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, worth 50% of the GCSE.
Section A: Reading – One non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text
Section B: Writing – Writing to present a viewpoint
Non Examination Assessment – Spoken Language.
(Students will receive a certificate of pass, merit or distinction)
Presenting
Responding to questions and feedback
Use of Standard English
Teacher set throughout course
Marked by teacher
Separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE)
ENGLISH LITERATURE – GCSE
Awarding Body: AQA
Course Code: 8702
QAN: 601/4447/6 – Click here for further information
OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE
English Literature is a linear course where students sit all of their exams at the end of Year 11. Students will be introduced to a range of genres over time. It is an academic course of study, which will take students on a journey through the Elizabethan period to modern day poetry. This qualification will enable students to develop a deeper understanding of the written word and will equip them with a range of reading and writing skills that are valued by employers and colleges alike.
CONTENT AND ASSESSMENT
Paper 1 – Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel
Macbeth (Shakespeare)
A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens)
Section A: Shakespeare – Students will answer one question on their 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 – Students will answer one question on their 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.
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, worth 40% of GCSE.
Paper 2 – Modern Texts and Poetry
An Inspector Calls (J.B Priestley)
Poetry Anthology (Power and Conflict)
Section A: Modern texts – Students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied 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 anthology cluster.
Section C: Unseen poetry – Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.
Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes, worth 60% of GCSE.