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English

GCSE English

Our GCSE English course is accredited by Edexcel. This qualification sets out to ensure that pupils can:

  • Read a wide range of texts fluently and critically, demonstrating a good understanding of the subject
  • Write effectively using Standard English, this includes good use of grammar, punctuation and spelling
  • Acquire and apply a wide vocabulary and listen to and understand spoken language

Our curriculum embodies all of the requirements of this qualification and sets out to ensure pupils have gained vast knowledge in this area.

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Assessments

The assessment for this qualification is broken down into two papers:

Paper 1

Fiction and Imaginative Writing

Section A – Reading: questions on an unseen 19th-century fiction extract.

Section B – Writing: a choice of two writing tasks. The tasks are linked by a theme to the reading extract.

Pupils have 1 hour and 45 minutes for this exam.

Paper 2

Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives

Section A – Reading: questions on two thematically linked, unseen non-fiction extracts.

Section B – Writing: a choice of two writing tasks. The tasks are linked by a theme to the reading extracts.

Pupils have 2 hours and 5 minutes for this exam.

Spoken Language

This component is internally assessed under controlled conditions and externally monitored by Edexcel/Pearson.

Candidates must undertake a prepared spoken presentation on a specific topic in a formal setting, listen and respond to questions and feedback, and use spoken English effectively.

There are no marks for the Spoken Language endorsement. Students are awarded a grade Pass, Merit or Distinction

Next steps after GCSEs

Language is of personal, social and economic importance. Our ability to use language lies at the center of our emotions, our thinking, our learning and our sense of personal identity. Language is itself a key aspect of our culture.

The course will enable students to communicate well both in written and oral mode. They will gain the skills required to explore, analyse and interpret information in a range of sources confidently and systematically.

Grade 4 or above in English Language is an essential pre-requisite for access to employment and courses in further education.

Impact and successes

In 2018/19, 78% of our students progressed on to a college or sixth form environment.

69%
of our students achieved their Maths GCSE with us in 18/19
100%
our student pass rate for Functional Skills level 1 and 2
59%
Maths & English pass rates for Level 4 and above
100%
of our students progressed on to a positive destination in 18/19

Next steps

If you or a young person you know may benefit from our provision, contact us.

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