English Language

GCSE English Language

Examining board: AQA 8700

Aims of the Course:

• read a wide range of texts, fluently and with good understanding
• read critically, and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing
• write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately
• use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately
• acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language.

In addition, students must:

• listen to and understand spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively.

The Spoken Language endorsement will be reported on as part of the qualification, but it will not form part of the final mark and grade.

Overview of the Course

Students will draw upon a range of texts as reading stimulus and engage with creative as well as real and relevant contexts. Students will have opportunities to develop higher-order reading and critical thinking skills that encourage genuine enquiry into different topics and themes. They will be able to demonstrate a confident control of Standard English and write grammatically correct sentences, deploying figurative language and analysing texts.

Examination and Assessment Methods

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing

A written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes (50% of GCSE)

Section A: Reading and answering four questions based on one literature fiction text

Section B: Writing - one extended writing question on descriptive or narrative writing

Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives

A written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes (50% of GCSE)

Section A: Reading –answering four questions based on one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text

Section B: Writing—one extended writing question to present a viewpoint