English Language

Students will leave the course able to analyse fiction and write creatively themselves; whilst also developing transactional writing skills and an ability to close read 19th Century and modern texts.

Examination Board
AQA

Assessment
100% exam which consists of two separate papers sat in the summer of year 11.

Unit Content
Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing

• Section A: Reading (questions based on one unseen literary text)
• Section B: Writing (students respond to a choice of descriptive or narrative titles)
• 1 written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 50% of GCSE

Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives

• Section A: Reading (questions based on one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text)
• Section B: Writing (students are required to present a viewpoint)
• 1 written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 50% of GCSE

Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities. In the past many students have had short stories put in print as a result of entering into faculty supported national competitions and students are also encouraged to enter poetry competitions in support of local and national charities. Students who are enthusiastic about English will be able to join the English society, ‘Supernova’ which is student run and allows students a place to discuss their creativity and enjoyment of reading. Supernova students also participate in a range of theatre visits in addition those offered as part of the curriculum.

Progression
Both English Language and English Literature provide the foundations for all A-Level subjects. Both GCSEs are highly regarded and recognised as offering employers and higher education institutions a clear indication of student’s literacy and ability to communicate. Students who excel at English go on to work in marketing, publishing, law, journalism, teaching, academic pursuits and within the television and film media.