English Language GCSE - Core

Contact: Mr J Berry

English Language GCSE
Studying English will help you to understand how important ideas are communicated in writing, images and speech. It will develop your ability to communicate effectively, which includes persuading people to agree with your point of view!

Your ability to analyse different authors’ language use will also be developed, as will your own skills in creative, analytical and functional writing.

What skills will I develop?

  • Interpretive skills

  • Analytical skills

  • Evaluative skills

  • Communication skills

  • Creative skills

  • Independent research

  • Literacy

Course Content

Paper 1 – Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
Paper 2 – Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives
Non-Examination assessment – Spoken Language (0% weighting)

How will I be assessed?

Exam Board: AQA

Paper 1: examination
1hr 45, 50%
Reading – one literature fiction text
Writing – descriptive or narrative writing

Paper 2: examination
1hr 45, 50%
Reading – one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text
Writing – writing to present a viewpoint

Progression Routes

GCSE English can lead to further study of Language, Literature or combined Language/Literature at AS and A Level.
It is an essential qualification for any further study beyond Sixth Form, as well as being a requirement for most career pathways.