GCSE English

As a student at Abbey Manor College, it is our expectation that you will achieve GCSE 9-4 (previously A-C) grades in both English and Maths. This will be made possible through a combination of small group teaching, individualised learning and targeted support. These GCSEs combined with a BTEC Level 2 qualification in your vocational subject will enable you to study at Level 3 in Further Education and progress to university.

Students study the AQA GCSE English Language 8700 course.

GCSE English Language is designed on the basis that students should read and be assessed on high-quality, challenging texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Each text studied must represent a substantial piece of writing, making significant demands on students in terms of content, structure and the quality of language. The texts, across a range of genres and types, should support students in developing their own writing by providing effective models. The texts must include literature and extended literary non-fiction, and other writing such as essays, reviews and journalism (both printed and online).

The study of GCSE English will ensure that students can read fluently and write effectively. Students will be able to demonstrate a confident control of Standard English and write grammatically correct sentences, use figurative language and analyse texts from 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

A GCSE in English language will enable to:

• Read a wide range of texts fluently and with good understanding
• Read critically and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing
• Write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately
• Use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately
• Acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
• Listen to and understand spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively

Assessment:

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing 50% of GCSE Assessed through examination: 1 hour 45 minutes		Paper 2: Writer’s viewpoints and Perspectives 50% of GCSE Assessed through examination: 1 hour 45 minutes
Section A: Reading Reading Extract from a Literature Text 25%	Section B: Writing Writing Narrative or Description based on a picture and linked to the reading theme in Section A 25%	Section A: Reading Reading two extracts – one non-fiction and one literary non-fiction texts. 25%	Section B: Writing Writing Non-Fiction to present a viewpoint linked to the theme of the texts in Section A 25%
4 Questions to answer: 1 x 4 marks (short) Find 4 things 2 x 8 marks (longer) Language & Structure 1 x 20 marks (extended) Agree/Disagree Total Marks: 40	1 Question to write about: Extended Writing Based on a suggestion or Photograph  24 marks for Content 16 marks for accuracy Total Marks: 40	4 Questions to answer: 1 x 4 marks (short) True/False 1 x 8 marks (longer) Summary 1 x 12 (longer) Language 1 x 16 marks (extended) Comparison Total Marks: 40	1 Question to write about: Extended Writing Eg. Argue/Explain 24 marks for Content 16 marks for accuracy Total Marks: 40
Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language Candidates must undertake a prepared spoken presentation on a specific topic. As a guide, the duration of the whole assessment should be no more than ten minutes.  The assessment will be reported as a separate grade (Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified) and will not contribute to the result of the GCSE English Language qualification.

 

• In addition, there is the opportunity for students to complete the GCSE English Literature course if they show an aptitude for English.
• Students who are not able to access the GCSE are given the opportunity to complete Functional Skills qualifications.