English
English Language
The Course
Oracy, reading and writing skills will be recognised in GCSE English Language. Candidates should be inspired, moved and challenged by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. They will develop their ability to use English as active and informed citizens and be able to speak, listen, read and write fluently, appropriately, effectively and critically - for a wide range of personal, functional and social purposes. Candidates will be expected to respond to a wide range of written texts.
Course Structure
The course is made up of 2 external examinations and 2 pieces of oral controlled assessment
Unit 1: Controlled Assessments - Speaking and Listening 20%
Individual presentation - a speech to an audience lasting between 5 - 7 minutes
Group discussion - a discussion based on a set GCSE stimulus set by the exam board.
Unit 2: External Examination - Description, Narration and Exposition (paper 1) 40%
Unit 3: External Examination - Argumentation, Persuasion and Instructional (paper 2) 40%
Both external examinations will focus on reading and writing skills, half of the marks for the writing section on both papers will be awarded for communication and organisation (meaning, purpose, readers and structure) and the other half for writing accurately (language, grammar, punctuation and spelling).
English Language is an un-tiered GCSE A* - G
Other Information
Through studying towards the GCSE English Language qualification learners will develop the knowledge and skills required to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.
English Literature
The Course
GCSE English Literature should extend learners’ interest in, and enthusiasm for, literature as they develop an understanding of the ways in which literature is rich and influential. The GCSE specification in English Literature will enable learners to understand that texts from English, Welsh or Irish literary heritage have been influential and significant over time and explore their meanings today.
Course Structure
The course is made up of 2 external examinations and 2 pieces of oral controlled assessment.
Unit 1: External Examination - Prose (different cultures) and poetry (contemporary) 35%
Section 1: Studying individual text ‘Of Mice and Men’
Section 2: Unseen poetry comparison
Unit 2: External Examination - Literary heritage drama and contemporary prose 40%
Section 1: Literary heritage drama ‘An Inspector Calls’
Section 2: Contemporary prose ‘Heroes’
Unit 3: Controlled Assessment - Shakespeare and Welsh Writing in English
Section 1: Shakespeare - centre choice
Section 2: Poetry - Welsh Writing in English
English Literature is a tiered qualification, learners will sit either Foundation or Higher level.
Other Information
Learners will explore how texts from different cultures and traditions may reflect or influence values, assumptions and a sense of our identity. They will learn to become critical readers of fiction and non-fiction analysing prose, poetry and drama.