English Language
The GCSE English Language course allows students to demonstrate their ability to use English in real-life contexts and encourages an investigative and analytical approach to language topics which draws on personal experience.
What is the exam board and specification?
AQA GCSE English Language 8700
What will you study?
You will continue to make progress with key literacy skills; reading, writing, oracy and accuracy.
You will develop your ability to write stories, letters, reports, blogs, newspaper and magazine articles – a very wide range of writing to meet the needs of different purposes and audiences. You will have the opportunity to respond and react to a variety of texts through analytical study and discussion.
You will study:
- Reading fiction, non-fiction and literary non-fiction from 19th, 20th and 21st centuries
- Narrative writing
- Descriptive writing
- Argumentative and persuasive writing
- Presenting to the class
How will you be assessed?
You will be assessed by your teacher throughout the two years as preparation for your exams. However, ultimately you will be assessed in two-terminal exams. The English Language course is 100% exam assessed:
Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes – 80 marks – 50% of GCSE (Explorations in creative reading and writing)
Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes – 80 marks – 50% of GCSE (Writer’s viewpoints and perspectives)
Achieving a higher grade pass (Grade 5 or higher) in English Language would contribute towards the English Baccalaureate
What qualities do I need to be successful in the subject?
To be successful in this subject it is important that you are organised and resilient. English helps us to explore new worlds and is indeed an exciting and interesting subject, however, it can be challenging. Being able to manage desirable difficulties by responding well to feedback and direction are key to success.
What future opportunities can I have with this subject?
Its skills are vital for success in all walks for life. The ability to read and respond to demanding material and the ability to write fluently and cogently is equally important to doctors, lawyers, scientists, linguists and artists.
Who should I contact for further information?
Ms E Barnard, Head of English, e.barnard@kwschool.co.uk