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We currently follow the WJEC syllabus and almost all students are taught both Language and Literature with the chance to sit both examinations. A few may concentrate on achieving their English GCSE only.

The combined Language and Literature course consists of three terminal examinations and six pieces of coursework. Students work to complete all their coursework during Year 10.

COURSEWORK:
(NB the exact order in which the assignments are delivered, and the texts chosen, will vary between teaching groups)

For English Language, students must submit four written assignments:

• Poetry from Different Cultures comparison
• Shakespeare study
• Imaginative Writing
• Transactional Writing
  

Up to three of these may be word-processed, if wished.
These four assignments constitute 20% of the final grade awarded at GCSE. A further 20% is awarded via three spoken English assessments.

The spoken English assignments are as follows:

• Group Interaction
• Extended Solo
• Drama-based (role-play, often based on characters/situations from the literature studied)

The remaining 60% is delivered through two terminal examinations.

For English Literature, students must submit four assignments. In total these are worth 30% of the final grade awarded. They include the Poetry from Different Cultures and Shakespeare assignments which were also submitted for the Language course. In addition, the following assignments must be submitted:

• Pre-1914 prose
• Pre-1914 poetry
  

The remaining 70% of the GCSE is delivered through one terminal examination.

Link to QCA Coursework Guide for Parents

English Language (Two papers):

PAPER 1 - 2 Hours                                                                  PAPER 2 - 2 Hours
Section A = Prose comprehension.                                       Section A = Media and Non-fiction comprehension.
Section B = Writing to Describe and Entertain.                    Section B = Writing to Argue, Persuade, Advise
                                                                                                                         Writing to Analyse, Review, Comment.

English Literature (One paper):
2 hours 30 minutes.

Section A = Questions on Novel studied in preparation for the exam.
Section B = Questions on a Drama text.
Section C = Unseen Poetry.

For further information about GCSE English Language or Literature, please contact either Mr. McCahey (Head of English Faculty) or Miss Jones (KS4 English co-ordinator).