ENGLISH, ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LITERATURE

Description of Course

All students will study GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature, and receive a qualification in both subjects. Lessons will be a stimulating mix of challenge and hard work, creativity and attention to detail.

You will enhance your communication skills, developing your writing skills for real and imagined audiences, with a focus on the accurate use of standard English. Through the study of non-fiction texts, you’ll develop your understanding of the effect and power of language in a range of situations.

We will watch and study a Shakespeare play, and read a selection of novels, short stories, plays and poetry, mainly from the 19th–20th Centuries. As well as analysing how writers use language to tell stories, we will explore the issues characters face, and the emotions they experience. We will also consider a variety of different cultures, times and traditions.

Method of Assessment

Both English Language and English Literature courses are assessed through exams at the end of Year 11. There is no coursework, and everyone has to sit the same papers, though students are still taught in sets.

GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks – 50% of GCSE)

Section A: Reading questions about an unseen literature text

Section B: Creative writing to describe and entertain

Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks – 50% of GCSE)

Section A: Reading questions about an unseen non-fiction text

Section B: Writing for a specific purpose from a particular viewpoint

GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE

Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes (64 marks – 40% of GCSE)

Section A: Shakespeare play

Section B: 19th Century novel

Paper 2: 2 hours 15 minutes (96 marks – 60% of GCSE)

Section A: 20th Century texts

Section B: Poetry

Section C: Unseen poetry

Pathways after Year 11

Further Study

GCSE English and GCSE Literature provides a very useful foundation for many post-16 courses and training opportunities. Courses currently on offer at Liskeard School and Community College to extend your study of English are:

• AS and A Level English Language
• AS and A Level English Literature
• AS and A Level Media Studies

Career Routes

A good grade in GCSE Language is a requirement for most courses and employment. However, it is crucial for any aspect of work related to effective communication (both spoken and written), such as leading or managing others, writing broadcasting and business. Careers include:

• Journalism and Writing
• Film, Television, Radio and Advertising
• Teaching

Pupil comments

“Having the same teacher for two years is good because they really get to know how to help you improve.”

“GCSE English is so important. You have to put as much effort in as you can because so many jobs and University courses need you to have at least a C grade in English.”