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English Language - Core

Lead teacher - Mr Weetman
Qualification - GCSE
Level - Grades 9 - 1
Lessons per fortnight - 8 (this includes English Literature)

Course Outline 

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
50% of total GCSE, 80 marks
Section A – Reading: One literature fiction text
Section B – Writing:   Descriptive or narrative writing

Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives 
50% of total GCSE, 80 marks
Section A – Reading:  One non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text    Section B – Writing:    Writing to present a viewpoint

Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language 
0% weighting of GCSE
Teacher set throughout course
Marked by teacher
Separate endorsement

Exam Details 

Exam Board - AQA

Paper 1: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Section A:  Reading: 40 marks – 25%

  • 1 short form question  (1 x 4 marks)
  • 2 longer form questions (2 x 8 marks)
  • 1 extended question (1 x 20 marks)

Section B:  Writing:   (40 marks – 25%)

  • 1 extended writing question  (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

Paper 2:     1 hour and 45 minutes

Section A:  Reading: 40 marks – 25%

  • 1 short form question  (1 x 4 marks)
  • 2 longer form questions (1 x 8, 1 x 12 marks)
  • 1 extended question (1 x 16 marks)

Section B:  Writing:   (40 marks – 25%)

  • 1 extended writing question  (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

Non-examination Assessment:

Spoken Language

  • presenting
  • responding to questions and feedback
  • use of Standard English
Career progression 

A good GCSE in English is a vital prerequisite for all career paths from those beginning employment to those going into further education. Students interested in English go on to study language or literature at A level as well as English’s many related subjects. From here, careers include Law, Media, Journalism, Education and the Civil Service. 

Subject Links 

Performing Arts, Dance, Theatre Studies, Drama, Media Studies, Psychology, Sociology, History, Law, Film Studies

Further Requirements 

There are no further requirements.