English Year 10

Please note that significant changes to the specifications for English and English Literature were made in September 2010. We follow the AQA specifications for all of our examinations in Key Stage 4.

Overview

There are two possible GCSE English routes at Key Stage 4. Students may choose to study GCSE English Language WITH GCSE English Literature. This will count as two GCSEs. The alternative route is via GCSE English which counts as one GCSE. (Please note that it is not possible to study English with English Literature as this combination is not allowed by the assessment authority).

We enter students through AQA as this specification fits in with our offer at AS and A2.

GCSE English Language

This subject allows you to demonstrate your ability to use English in real-life contexts and uses an investigative and analytical approach to language topics that draws on your own experience. Unit 1 focuses on Understanding and Producing Non-fiction Texts. Unit 2 focuses on Speaking and Listening. A brand new element in this specification focuses on the study of Spoken and Written texts and Writing Creatively. This last unit links well with topics covered in English Language at AS and A2.

GCSE English Literature

GCSE English Literature is based on the exploration of texts from your perspective as a reader. Unit 1 focuses on Modern Texts while Unit 2 centres on a study of Poetry across Time and the final unit is based on Shakespeare and other texts from the English Literary Heritage (ELH). Again, this qualification is designed to provide a stepping-stone to AS and A2 English Literature.

GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature offer clear progression to A Level study in these subjects. Studying these two subjects separately offers a fully integrated approach and allows for greater distinctiveness between the two disciplines.

GCSE English

This is a combined course offering a range of language and literature topics, allowing you to demonstrate your use of English in real-life contexts. It shares Units 1 and 2 with English Language but its third unit (Understanding and Producing Creative Texts) includes study of Shakespeare and the English Literary Heritage, Exploring Writing from Other Cultures and Creative Writing.

Assessment

There is a combination of examination (35% to 40% of qualification) and Controlled Assessment (35% to 40% of qualification; 20% for Speaking and Listening) in all three subjects.

Controlled Assessment has replaced coursework and means that you will prepare for and complete tasks in the classroom rather than at home, with an average of two to three hours being allowed for you to produce your written outcomes (following preparation for each task).