English Language and English Literature GCSE

Exam Board: (AQA, 8700 QAN code: 601/4292/3 English Language and 8702 QAN code: 601/4447/6 English Literature)From 2017 (first teaching Autumn 2015) there will be no coursework element to the English examinations. These outlines are taken from the AQA prospectus, which the English Department are intending to follow, and may be subject to change as directed by the exam board.

English Language: Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing, one literature fiction text and descriptive or narrative writing with a written exam - 1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks 50% of GCSE). Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives, one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text Section Writing: Writing to present a viewpoint.  With a written exam - 1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks 50% of GCSE).

English Literature: Paper 1 – Shakespeare and the 19th century novel: Section A Shakespeare: students will answer one question on their play of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole. Section B The 19th-century novel: students will answer one question on their novel of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole. Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 64 marks, 40% of GCSE

Paper 2 – Modern Texts and Poetry: Section A Modern texts: students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied modern prose or drama text. Section B Poetry: students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from their chosen anthology cluster. Section C Unseen poetry: students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem. Written exam: 2 hour 15 minutes, 96 marks, 60% of GCSE.  

Students will follow courses in both English Language and English Literature.  This allows for an integrated approach to the National Curriculum targets of reading and writing. Students will be expected to continue their own private reading to extend the reading habit beyond the classroom. 

Skills needed to study this subject: All students are expected to make progress in the subject and there is a high expectation of achieving above the students’ potential. The Department liaises closely with Mathematics and senior staff in order to ensure that the highest possible number of students leave Sturminster Newton High School with passes in both subjects.

Possible Careers + Future Study:  Students with a love of English may progress in many directions; most immediately it can lead into our very successful A Level Literature course. The subject can lead to careers in journalism, writing, librarianship and many other areas where the quality of written expression is important and valued.