During the course you may follow one of two routes: combined English Language and Literature, and English. Whatever route you choose to follow English at GCSE you will have an exciting blend of creativity and discovery.

What is English Language and Literature?

English Language & Literature covers a wide birth of skills including:

• creative writing
• essays on media inspired texts or films
• essays on novels, plays and poetry
• analysing written and spoken texts in terms of language use and presentational devices
• writing your own persuasive and informative texts
• speaking and listening: class presentations, group discussions and role plays.

Writing stories is just one option for your creative writing coursework. Could you be the next J K Rowling?

What is English?

English is essentially a reduced course, in comparison to English Language & Literature. The course is of the same standard but allows a greater time to be spent on each topic area, as it covers fewer units.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by written, and spoken, controlled assessment coursework tasks, and through examinations. Study is modular and some units will be taken in January as well as in the Summer. It is also possible to carry units across from previous centres, providing all documentation is made readily available.

Are there any set texts?

Yes.

In English Language & Literature you will study:

• A Shakespeare play
• A novel from literary heritage
• A modern play or novel
• Poetry from an anthology
• Stories form an anthology

In English you will study:

• A Shakespeare play
• A novel from literary heritage
• Poems from an anthology

What will I learn?

During the course you will become proficient at reading both fiction and non-fiction. With this basis you will learn how to write critical essays, make creative pieces and be an expert in analysis. You will also become a superb public speaker. In addition, during the course we will go on field trips wherever opportunity permits such as theatre visits and local field research.

Let English take you where you want to go…

What must I bring to the course?

You will be expected to read the set texts. Reading as much non-fiction as possible is a big bonus. You'll bring your views to the table in class discussion and be involved in group discussion and drama role plays. Independent study is essential for the highest grades and you will be expected to work at extending your vocabulary so that you have the appropriate terminology and the ability to express yourself well.  Most of all bring your enthusiasm and interest!

Further education and career opportunities

If you are planning on leaving education after your A-levels most employers now consider it essential to have a C grade or higher at GCSE. Continuation onto A-level also requires you to have grade C or above. With this in mind you can continue onto A-levels in all subjects, university and beyond. Who knows? The sky's the limit!

James Davies
Head of English