Core Curriculum: English and English Literature GCSEs
Members of Staff Responsible: Mr J. Thirlby
Examinations: GCSE Board – AQA
English Language: Paper 1 - Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (50%)
Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives (50%)
English Literature: Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel (50%)
Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry (50%)
Specification
Students will be able to:
talk and listen in a variety of contexts and for a range of purposes
read a variety of literature, non-fiction and media and develop their understanding of different genres and styles
write for a range of purposes and in a variety of forms
appreciate the way authors achieve their effects
be aware of social, historical and cultural contexts of literature
Choice of Texts
Students will study a selection of texts and extracts, including:
• Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
• Macbeth by William Shakespeare
• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
• The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by R. L. Stevenson
• Blood Brothers by Willy Russell
• An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley
• A range of poetry from the AQA Anthology
• A range of fiction and non-fiction texts
Examination
Students will sit four examinations in the summer of Year 11, totalling 7.5 hours. They will complete a Spoken Language assessment during the final year of the course. Homework Year 10 and Year 11 students receive homework once a week. It may consist of written work, reading, independent learning, revision or internet-based research. Homework is available for students to access using the school’s School Synergy application.
