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English GCSE

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Entry Requirements

Usually a grade D in GCSE English. (For students with a lower GCSE English grade, an al Communication Skills course is offered.)

About the Subject

This course is mainly for students who just missed out on a grade C in GCSE English the l it. The course is likely to be broadly similar to the GCSE you took before, but it may be with a different examining board and you’ll finish the course in one year instead of two. (It may be possible to re-sit the exam earlier – in November – but most students wait until the following summer.)

For coursework you complete an original writing piece, and pieces on literary texts (including Shakespeare) and the mass media. There are also three assessed Speaking and Listening activities. In the exam you’ll do two extended pieces of writing, and answer questions on non-fiction/media texts and on a poetry anthology.

The course available in college is GCSE Level: English (AQA)

Assessment
Unit		 Name Type of
Assessment		 Date of
Exam		 Weighting
1 Paper 1 Written exam (1hr 45 mins) June 30%
2 Paper 2 Written exam (1hr 30 mins) June 30%
3 Coursework Speaking and Listening (20%)
Reading assignments (10%)
Writing assignments (10%)		 Sept -
February		 40%

General Information

Paper 1 has two sections, each worth 15% of the total GCSE mark. In Section A you answer questions on non-fiction/media texts. In Section B there is a choice of questions testing your ability to use writing to argue, persuade or advise.

Paper 2

This also has two sections, each of which is again worth 15% of the total mark. In Section A you answer questions on an anthology of poetry that you will have studied during the course. In Section B there is a choice of questions testing your ability to use writing to inform, explain or describe.

Coursework

This is in two parts, each worth 20% of the total GCSE mark. For the first part you undertake three assessed Speaking and Listening activities, including for example group discussion and role play. For the second part you produce an original writing piece, an analytical media piece (based for example on a film you have studied) and responses to two literary texts (including Shakespeare).

What Next?

GCSE English is an important qualification, increasing your opportunities for further study or employment. It may for example help you to progress to an AS/A2 course, gain a university place or secure a job which requires you to have GCSE English.