GCSE English Language

How is the course externally examined?

AQA English Language Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing

• Section A: Reading – four questions on one unseen literature fiction text (20^th or 21^st century)
• Section B: Writing – students own piece of descriptive or narrative writing
• 80 marks 50% of GCSE

 AQA English Language Paper 2: Viewpoints and perspectives

• Section A: Reading – four questions on two unseen non-fiction texts (one from 19^th century, one post-1900)
• Section B – students own piece of extended writing to present a viewpoint
• 80 marks 50% of GCSE

AQA Spoken Language Endorsement:

Students are required to deliver a speech about a topic of their choice to their teacher and peers and answer questions on the topic. Students are assessed on their speaking skills and are awarded Distinction, Merit, Pass or Not Classified.

This is worth 0% of the GCSE English Language or Literature grade, but is awarded as a separate qualification.

The course is graded with GCSE grades 1 to 9

How is the course internally assessed?

Students in KS4 are prepared for assessments and mock exams by sitting past or replica GCSE questions on a half termly basis. We take a staged approach to GCSE assessment, by assessing students on individual questions initially and building up to full papers when students have studied the full content. Each assessment will test the section of the GCSE Language or Literature course that students have focused on that half term. We revisit Y10 topics in Y11 and re-assess on as many sections of the GCSE as time allows.