GCSE English Language and Literature

What qualification will I get and how will I use it?

You’ll be building on all of the key skills that you’ve worked so hard on over KS3: studying prose, poetry, plays and non-fiction texts; showcasing both your imagination and technical skills through a range of written tasks; performing and developing your speaking and listening skills and confidence.

You will study both English Language and English Literature, which means that you’ll receive two GCSEs at the end of the two years. You’ll also receive a ‘Speaking and Listening’ level, which will be reported separately. You’ll undertake all of your exams at the end of the two years, usually between May and June.

We can’t understate how important developing your English really is; a 9-5 in English shows that you are a hard-working, confident and creative person who has a wealth of transferable skills to offer. Obtaining that vital 5 or above is the key to unlocking huge opportunities for you in the future – from getting on your dream college or university course to securing your very first job; English can and will do these things and so much more.

GCSE English Language

• Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (50%)
• Paper 2: Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives (50%)
• Non-exam Assessment: Spoken Language (no weighting)

GCSE English Literature

• Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel (40%)
• Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry (60%)