English Language
Introduction
These courses will build on the skills developed at KS3. As a core subject, all students will be required to study for both qualifications.
How is the course assessed?
The qualification is made up of two externally-assessed examination components and one internally assessed nonexamination component. The non-examination component tests spoken language skills. Achievement in Spoken Language will be reported as part of the qualification but it will not form part of the final GCSE mark and grade.
Course Content
COMPONENT 1: Fiction and Imaginative Writing, 1 hour 45 min (40%)
Section A Reading
You will read a piece of unseen 19th century fiction (the extract will be approximately 60-100 words long) and answer a series of questions about it.
Section B Prose Writing
You will complete one piece of creative writing – narration or recount – from a choice of two titles. You will be assessed on how well you can communicate your ideas to suit the purpose and audience, use a
range of vocabulary and sentence structures and on the accuracy of your spelling and punctuation.
COMPONENT 2: 20th and 21st Century Non-Fiction Reading, 2 hours and 5 min (60%)
Section A Reading
Comparison of two unseen texts from the 20th and 21st century. The extracts will be approximately 900- 1200 words.
Some questions will ask you to focus on close reading of the texts; others will ask you to compare the two texts.
Section B Transactional/Persuasive Writing
One compulsory transactional/persuasive writing task from a choice of two. You will be assessed on how well you can communicate your ideas to suit the purpose and audience, use a range of vocabulary
and sentence structures and on the accuracy of your spelling and punctuation.
COMPONENT 3: Spoken Language
This will be a presentation on a topic of your choice to an audience. You will answer questions at the end of your presentation. It will be recorded and sent to the exam board. You will be given a pass, merit or distinction – this will appear on your GCSE certificate but does not form part of your GCSE/grade.
English Literature
How is the course assessed?
The qualification is made up of two externally-assessed components: Component 1 and Component 2. Both components allow learners to show their depth and breadth of knowledge of Literature through varied assessments.
Course Content
COMPONENT 1: Shakespeare and Poetry
Section A Shakespeare – Macbeth
You will be required to answer two questions, one based on an extract from the play and one about the play as a whole. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are also assessed in this question and are worth 5 marks.
Section B Post-1914 Literature
J B Priestley – An Inspector Calls
You will answer one question based on the contemporary play and its context.
COMPONENT 2: 19th Century Novel and Poetry since 1789, 2hrs 15mins (50%)
Section A 19th Century Novel
Charles Dickens – A Christmas Carol
You will study A Christmas Carol and answer two questions, one based on an extract and the other based on your knowledge of the whole text.
Section B, Part 1 Poetry Anthology
You will answer one question comparing a named poem from the Pearson Poetry Anthology collection to another poem from that collection. The named poem will be shown in the question paper.
Section B, Part 2 Unseen Poetry
Two contemporary unseen poems will be printed for you in the exam paper.
You will compare the two poems, looking at language, structure and themes.
Future Pathways
Studying English develops valuable skills such as communication, analysis, creativity, critical thinking and the ability to understand and influence others. These strengths open doors to a wide range of careers including media, advertising, teaching, law, civil service and human resources to name just a few professional roles. English also facilitates all other subjects, supporting pupils’ ability to draft exam responses and critically evaluate ideas and information.