English and English Literature (Single GCSEs)

What are the Key Features?
Students engage in a range of language activities designed to develop skills in:
1. Understanding of the spoken word and the capacity to express themselves effectively in a variety of speaking and listening activities, matching style and response to audience and purpose;
2. The ability to read, understand and respond to all types of writing, including media, and to develop information retrieval strategies for the purpose of study;
3. The ability to construct and convey meaning in written language using correct grammar and standard English, matching style to audience and purpose.
All students will also study GCSE English Literature. Students following this course encounter a wide range of literature and develop:
1. The ability to read, understand and respond to all types of literary text, an appreciation of the ways in which authors achieve their effects and information retrieval strategies for the purpose of literary study;
2. Awareness of personal, social and cultural significance in the study of literature;
3. The ability to construct and convey meaning in written and spoken language, using correct grammar and standard English matching style to audience and purpose.

How is the course taught?
Students are placed in ability groups and whilst there is the flexibility for movement between groups, they tend to remain in the original groups for the duration of the course with the same teacher in order to ensure continuity.

How is it assessed?
Students are required to complete coursework and other assignments in both written and oral forms on a regular basis. These are assessed according to GCSE grade assessment criteria. However, the bulk of the assessment for both the English examination and the English Literature examination is by end-of-course examination.

GCSE English
There are two two-hour examinations at the end of the course which constitute 60% of the final assessment.
GCSE English Literature
There is one and a half hour examination at the end of the course which constitutes 70% of the final assessment.

English English Literature
1. Oral and written coursework 40% 1. Written coursework 30%
2. Written examination 60% 2. Written examination 70%

Why study this course?
Students gaining Grade C or above in GCSE English and English Literature and who receive their teacher’s recommendation will have the opportunity to proceed to study A/S level English Literature or English Language and Literature.