GCSE English and GCSE English Literature
GCSE English Language
What will I study?
Over the two years of GCSE English Language, you will develop the critical skills which will enable you to analyse different sorts of texts: novels, leaflets, brochures, articles, DVD covers and the spoken word.
You will develop your writing skills. You will be given opportunities to produce creative writing, personal writing, functional writing and analytical writing.
Talking and Listening is also an important aspect of English Language. You will improve your oral communication by taking part in various talking and listening activities, including group discussions, role-plays and presentations.
Coursework / Practical
Coursework is worth 60% of GCSE English Language.
Unit 3 is Talking and Listening. It is worth 20% of the GCSE. Your ability to express your ideas and listen to the views of others in various different situations will be assessed.
Unit 4 is also a coursework unit. You will complete three different tasks under controlled conditions:
a study of spoken language;
a study of a literary text;
creative writing.
What exams will I take?
You will take two exams.
In the first two-hour exam, you will produce some personal writing, and you will answer questions on two media texts.
In the second two-hour exam, you will produce some functional writing, and you will answer a question on a leaflet or brochure.
GCSE English Literature
What will I study?
You will study a range of interesting and enjoyable literary texts. Over the course of GCSE English Literature you will develop the kind of critical skills which enable you to comment meaningfully on theme, characterisation, language, form and tone.
For the examinations, you will study a novel, a play and a poetry anthology. For coursework you will study another play and novel.
Coursework / Practical
You will complete one task in controlled conditions. You will have 2 hours and 30 minutes to write about a play and a novel you have studied.
What exams will I take?
You will have two exams. In the first exam you will have 1 hour to write about a novel you have studied. In the second exam you will have 2 hours to write about a play and poetry anthology you have studied.
Creative writing
