ENGLISH LANGUAGE
GCSE
Awarding Body: AQA
Course Code: 8700
QAN: 601/4292/3
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: (worth 50% of the GCSE) 1 hour 45 minutes.
Section A: Reading – One literature fiction text
Section B: Writing – Descriptive or narrative writing
Paper 2 – Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives.
Written exam: (worth 50% of the GCSE) 1 hour 45 minutes.
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).
ENGLISH LITERATURE
GCSE
Awarding Body: AQA
Course Code: 8700
QAN: 601/4292/3
OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE
English Literature is a linear course where students sit all of their exams in the summer term 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 their critical thinking , analytical skills and a deeper understanding of the written word. It equips 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
Written exam: (worth 40% of GCSE) 1 hour 45 minutes.
Macbeth (Shakespeare)
A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens)
Section A: Shakespeare – Students will answer one question on the play. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to link these ideas to the play as a whole. This essay is also marked for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
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.
Paper 2 – Modern Texts and Poetry
Written exam: (worth 60% of GCSE) 2 hour 15 minutes.
An Inspector Calls (J.B Priestley)
Poetry Anthology (Power and Conflict) 15 poems linked by the theme of Power & Conflict
Unseen Poetry
Section A: Modern texts – Students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied drama text. This essay is also marked for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
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 (not printed).
Section C: Unseen poetry – Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.