GCSE English & English Literature

AQA Specification B

Years 10 & 11 follow a two-year course towards the GCSE Examinations
All students follow the programme of study as outlined by the Board:
• several oral assessments
• six pieces of assessed coursework
• three final written examinations.

English - Separate papers for:
Higher tier (Grades A* - D)
Foundation (Grades C- G)

Speaking & Listening Component 20%

Students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities such as : explaining, describing, narrating
exploring, analysing, imagining
discussing, arguing, persuading

Activities are arranged through:
• an extended individual piece.
• a group discussion or presentation;
• a drama focused activity;

Coursework Component: 20%

A Shakespeare Play – e.g. Romeo & Juliet or Macbeth
Prose study from a 20th Century prescribed list of texts e.g., Lord of the Flies, Of Mice & Men, Catcher in the Rye or To Kill a Mocking Bird
Media – Writing to: Analyse , Review, comment using Media forms such as: Film or Printed text
Original writing piece – writing to Imagine, Explore, Entertain

Examination Component: 60%

Paper 1
Section A
Reading Non Fiction and Media texts
Section B
Writing - Choice of one from three or more questions testing writing which seeks to argue, persuade or advise.

Paper 2
Section A - Reading Poems from Different Cultures & Traditions
Section B – Choice of one from three or more questions testing writing which seeks to inform, explain or describe.