English

English


Why should I study English GCSE
The aim of the GCSE English course is to improve your understanding and use of language. The work centres on developing your knowledge of how to spell and punctuate accurately and how to communicate ideas in an effective manner in a range of different situations.

What will I study?
The course focuses on a range of reading and writing activities across coursework and exams.

Coursework:
Speaking and Listening
Three assessed activities

Two responses to Reading and two responses to Writing, comprising
:

Shakespeare Prose Study Media (analyse, review, and comment) Original Writing (imagine, explore and entertain) This represents 40% of the total GCSE marks.

Paper 1: Foundation
Section A â€" Reading response to non-fiction/media texts

Section B â€" Choice of one from three or more questions testing writing which seeks to argue, persuade or advise.

This represents 30% of the total GCSE marks.

Paper 2:
Section A - Reading response to poetry from different cultures and traditions

Section B - Choice of one from three or more questions testing writing which seeks to inform, explain or describe.

This represents 30% of the total GCSE marks.

What skills do I need?

• Writing skills
• Reading skills
• Speaking and listening skills

How will I be taught?
There is a wide variety of methods, including teacher-led work, group-work and pair-work. You will be expected to give presentations to the group as well as producing individual assignments. Handouts and videos also form part of the course. It builds on existing knowledge and abilities to prepare you for assessment in one academic year.

How is the course assessed?

• Written coursework
• Speaking and Listening coursework
• One 1¾ hr and one 1½ hr written external examination.

What will this course prepare me for?
It will give you the ability to express yourself fluently as this is a useful skill in countless jobs and on a variety of HE courses. GCSE English grade C is a prerequisite for university courses and most careers.

Private Study
As an approximate guideline, AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.

What materials will I need to purchase?
Not applicable.