English Language - GCSE

What will I study in English?

The GCSE English Language Syllabus focuses on the three Assessment Objectives of Reading, Writing and, thirdly, Speaking & Listening.

Reading
This area of study involves work on a range of literary texts and a close study of non-fiction texts, like websites, magazine articles and fact-sheets. With both kinds of text – literary and non-literary – students need to learn to ‘read between the lines’ and to illustrate their ideas, using quotations.

Writing
There are two areas: Imaginative Writing and Writing relating to Information and Ideas. Imaginative Writing is done as coursework. Students will look at ‘style models’ from great writers and will learn from the techniques they use. We will try to apply some of these techniques in our own writing. We also look in close detail at ‘secretarial skills’ and work on spelling and punctuation and how to structure a piece of writing. Again we look at ‘style models’ and learn how to create a powerful argument or to write persuasively, like in a newspaper article.

Speaking & Listening
There are three tasks. Students give a structured talk using visual aids, take part in a drama-centred task, and take on various roles and then conduct a group discussion with one student taking the role of Chair. As well as this, students undertake a study of an aspect of spoken English.

How will I be assessed?

60% of the qualification is achieved through Controlled Assessment. This includes all the work on spoken English, the three literary texts and the Imaginative Writing.

There is a two-hour examination for the other 40% of the marks. The exam focuses on non-fiction Reading and Transactional Writing (letters, articles, reports).

Who will teach me?

Philip Carr has had experience as Head of Department for over thirty years, including in Saudi Arabia, where he taught English as a Foreign Language. He has a Cambridge degree and an MA. Philip has written teaching materials for the Welsh Joint Board, for whom he also examines. His involvement with language teaching has been fundamental and life-enhancing and he enjoys sharing this enthusiasm with students. Phillip is a published poet.

Which subjects complement English?

Because a good fluency in English is key to achievement in the Arts and Humanities, as well as helping in the expression of the complexities of Science, nearly all areas of the curriculum complement our subject. English Language equips students to perform better in most aspects of their life and studies in college and equips young adults with the critical know-how to handle the wider world of work.

Which careers can English lead on to?

Universities expect applicants for their courses to have a pass grade in English and so it is key to UCAS applications. Most employers will expect candidates for employment to possess an English or English Language GCSE before considering applications. Since English skills enable us to analyse language and, on the other hand, use it effectively, they are crucial in achieving success in careers ranging from teaching to journalism, from banking to trading and from academic research to the practicalities of the world of business.