GCSE ENGLISH & ENGLISH LITERATURE

The specifications of the WJEC are followed for both of these courses.

English is a core subject. English Literature is integrated with English, and some written coursework for Literature can be used also as English coursework. However, the two subjects receive two separate awards in the public examination.

English Language is examined in 2 papers. Each paper is 2 hours long. Paper I tests reading skills through structured questions and by the reading of an extract from the English literary heritage by a major writer. Writing will test imaginative writing through two writing tasks. The first will ask for a piece of writing to inform, explain, describe. The second will offer opportunities for a variety of approaches in writing to explore, imagine, and entertain.

Paper II. Reading is tested through media texts and non-fiction. The first writing test is linked to the reading material in Section A and will test discursive writing, to argue, persuade and discuss. The second piece will offer opportunities to analyse, review, and comment.

English Literature is examined in one paper of 2 hours 30 minutes duration. Pupils must answer questions on a novel, on a set play and on an unseen poem. The pupils are not allowed to take the books into the examination. Throughout the two-year course, all teaching groups are given regular controlled assignments, which provide structured opportunities to practise the individual examination components in class. In addition, core skills enhancement sessions are offered after school to those pupils who have under-performed in any controlled assignment.

In addition to the examinations, students must complete written coursework which includes: original writing; Shakespeare; Transactional Writing; Poetry from Other Cultures, Pre 20 th Century Poetry and Pre 1914 prose. Oral Coursework is also completed so that students can show their skills in the following three areas – Explaining, Describing and Narrating; Exploring, Analysing and Imagining, Discussing, Arguing and Persuading.

Opportunities are given for Coursework to be redrafted, and pupils should take full advantage of this in order to produce work of the best possible quality throughout the course. Good attendance is very important, as it is often impossible to reproduce discussion and other learning processes that take place in lessons.

The specifications are challenging. Pupils must keep their own notes up to date and complete coursework assignments on time. It is important for everyone to contribute regularly to class discussion and to practise good essay techniques.

Year 10

Term one focuses on writing to inform/explain/describe. In addition students will complete:

• original writing coursework
• one oral assignment
• one controlled assignment
• the study of a selection of poetry from other cultures

Term two focuses on writing to argue/persuade/advise. In addition students will complete:

• one prose study
• one pre-20 th Century poetry
• one oral assignment
• two controlled assignments

Term three focuses on reading non-fiction materials. In addition students begin:

• prose study
• oral assessment
• exam practice
• coursework on Shakespeare
• media coursework

Year 11

Term one:

• the study of a 20th Century novel
• the study of a 20th play for the exam
• one oral assignment
• one controlled assignment

Terms two and three:

• completion of study of Twentieth Century novel
• one oral assignments
• two controlled assignments
• examination practice and revision.

Core Subjects