English - Key Stage 4
GCSE English
The course leading to the award of the General Certificate of Secondary Education in English is designed to develop students' skills in, and knowledge and understanding of, English and Literature. Accordingly, the assessment for the course which is based on both coursework and examinations is through a wide range of speaking and listening, reading and writing activities. In addition, the course represents a foundation for students to proceed to further and higher studies in English, English Literature and a range of other disciplines.
Aims of the Course
- Speaking and Listening - This component aims to develop students’ abilities to: formulate, clarify and express their ideas; adapt speech to a widening range of circumstances and demands; listen, understand and respond appropriately to others and use the vocabulary and grammar of Standard English
- Reading - This component develops students' abilities to: read accurately and fluently; understand, respond to and enjoy literature of increasing complexity drawn from the English literary heritage and other cultures and traditions and analyse and evaluate a wide range of texts
- Writing - This component develops students' abilities to: construct and convey meaning in written, standard English including the use of compositional skills to develop ideas and communicate meaning to a reader; develop a wide range of vocabulary and appropriate styles; organize and structure sentences grammatically and whole texts coherently and develop the presentational skills of punctuation, spelling, hand-writing and different forms
Course Outline
The English language AQA GCSE course outline can be seen below:
| Unit 1: Understanding and Producing Non-fiction Texts | ||
|---|---|---|
| External Examination 40% of the total GCSE marks |
2 hours | 80 marks |
| Section A: Reading 20% of the total GCSE marks |
1 hour | 40 marks |
| Section B: Writing 20% of the total GCSE marks |
1 hour | 40 marks |
Plus:
| Unit 2: Speaking and Listening | ||
|---|---|---|
| Controlled Assessment 20% of the total GCSE marks |
45 marks | |
Plus:
| Unit 3: Understanding Spoken and Written Texts and Writing Creatively | ||
|---|---|---|
| Controlled Assessment 40% of the total GCSE marks |
80 marks | |
| Part A: Extended Reading 15% of the total GCSE marks |
3-4 hours | 30 marks |
| Part B: Creative Writing 15% of the total GCSE marks |
3-4 hours | 30 marks |
| Part C: Spoken Language Study 10% of the total GCSE marks |
2-3 hours | 20 marks |
GCSE English Literature
The course leading to the award of the General Certificate of Secondary Education in English Literature is designed to develop students' knowledge and appreciation of English Literature. It aims to enhance an understanding of the literary uses of language and the human and moral dimensions of literary works.
Aims of the Course
- develop the ability to read, understand and respond to a wide range of literary texts; appreciate the ways in which writers achieve their effects and develop the skills necessary for literary study
- develop awareness of social, historical and cultural contexts and influences in the study of literature
- develop the ability to construct and convey meaning in speech and writing, matching style to purpose and audience
Course Outline
The English literature AQA GCSE course outline can be seen below:
| Unit 1: Exploring Modern Texts | ||
|---|---|---|
| External Examination 40% of the total GCSE marks |
1 hour 30 mins | 60 marks |
| Section A: Modern Prose or Drama 20% of the total GCSE marks |
45 mins | 30 marks |
| Section B: Exploring Cultures 20% of the total GCSE marks |
45 mins | 30 marks |
Plus:
| Unit 2: Poetry Across Time | ||
|---|---|---|
| External Examination 35% of the total GCSE marks |
1 hour 15 mins | 54 marks |
| Section A: Poetry Cluster from the Anthology 23% of the total GCSE marks |
45 mins | 36 marks |
| Section B: Responding to an Unseen Poem 12% of the total GCSE marks |
30 mins | 18 marks |
Plus:
| Unit 3: The Significance of Shakespeare and the English Literary Heritage | ||
|---|---|---|
| Controlled Assessment 25% of the total GCSE marks |
3-4 hours | 40 marks |
