KS4

Curriculum Preferences for Key Stage Four English, English Language and English Literature

What qualities do I need to succeed in this subject?

1.    Learning to read texts actively and critically.

2.    Employing close reading skills to retrieve information.

3.    Making inferences and giving informed

4.    Comments on language in use.

What will I study and how is the course assessed?

Depending on ability, your teacher will choose whether you take either:

GCSE English Language

Unit 1: Understanding Non-Fiction Texts

40% of total GCSE marks -2 hour Exam assessing Reading and Writing skills.

Unit 2: Speaking and Listening

20% of total GCSE marks. Three units assessed in controlled conditions

1. Presenting         2. Discussing and listening        3. Role playing.

Unit 3: Understanding Spoken and Written Texts and Writing Creatively

40% of total GCSE marks consisting of three units assessed in controlled conditions

3-4 hours: Extended Reading      3-4 hours: Creative Writing     2-3 hours: Spoken Language Study (GCSE English only)

GCSE English Literature

Unit 1: Exploring Modern Texts

40% of total GCSE marks 2 hour exam assessing response to Modern Prose or Drama and Exploring Cultures.

Unit 2: Poetry Across Time

35% of total GCSE marks. 2 hour exam assessing a response to a poetry cluster from the AQA anthology and a response to an unseen poem.

Unit 3: The Significance of Shakespeare and the English Literary Heritage

25% of total GCSE marks - one unit assessed in controlled conditions

Candidates are asked to make links make links between a play from Shakespeare and a text from the English Literary Heritage.

OR

GCSE English which will mean you get one GCSE and follow the English Language course but not the Spoken Language Study element.

GCSE English Language - This qualification allows students to demonstrate their ability to use English in real life contexts and uses an investigative and analytical approach to language topics drawing on personal experience.

GCSE English Literature - This qualification requires candidates to explore texts from a personal perspective and offers an experience of literature today, literature globally and the English Literary heritage (ELH).

GCSE English - This is a combined course offering a range of language and literature topics, allowing candidates to demonstrate their use of English in real-life contexts.

Why should I take this subject?

To acquire self-confidence in communication and to broaden your range of experiences through reading. Most careers need a qualification in English. An English Literature qualification will broaden your Literature knowledge extensively.

Who can tell me more?

If you have any queries please speak to Miss Slater or Mrs Endicott.