GCSE English

English

English Language and English Literature – both AQA

Key syllabus elements

In English Language we cover the three key skills: reading, writing and speaking. Students read a range of written prose: novels, media texts, newspaper articles and different types of non-fiction. Students learn to write in forms appropriate to different audiences. They take part in Speaking and Listening exercises: discussions, role play and presentations.

In Literature students study a Shakespeare play, 2 modern novels, a range of poetry and a modern drama. Texts include – ‘Macbeth’, ‘An Inspector Calls’, ‘Of Mice and Men’ and ‘Animal Farm’.

Key assessment elements

Both Language and Literature are assessed by controlled assessments written in College and by external examination. Speaking and Listening are separately certified.

Students are expected to write accurately and select material relevant to the question. They must be able to read and comprehend a range of texts – non-fiction, articles and advertisements. Students are expected to write in appropriate forms suited to a stated audience. They may be asked to write letters, articles, reports, diary entries and speeches.

In Literature they are expected to sustain a clear argument, using appropriate textual references. They should also understand the relationship between form and meaning.

The Government has recently revised the syllabus and mark schemes for English Language. These are far more rigorous than in the past. Unless students are prepared to read widely and become independent learners, the benchmark Grade C can be difficult to achieve.