AQA GCSE Syllabus

Certificate of Achievement (COA) and GCSE courses will be on offer.

WHAT YOU WILL BE LEARNING ABOUT

Students study a range of poetry, prose and drama including one Shakespeare play, the works of major writers published pre and post 1914 and the works of contemporary writers of established critical reputation. Students also study a range of non-fiction, such as diaries, journals, letters and media texts, such as magazines, newspapers, radio and film.

The course also covers speaking and listening activities including discussion, role play, argument and debate.

HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED

Assessment for COA is by coursework and examination.

For GCSE there are two tiers of entry:

Foundation Tier

Higher Tier

Coursework: GCSE

For GCSE, coursework is worth 40%, and is made up as follows:

Speaking and Listening - a variety of situations and purposes, including the use of standard English.

Reading and Writing - Four written assignments are required

1. Personal writing, Explore, Imagine, Entertain

2. Personal writing, Inform, Explain, Describe

3. Response to a Shakespeare play.

4. Prose

Examination: GCSE

For GCSE there are two papers testing reading and writing skills (60%).

COA

Students in 12E may be dually entered for the COA and GCSE exams. The COA exam is short and basic. GCSE coursework can also be used for the COA course requirements.

Career Opportunities

GCSE English is an essential requirement for entry to all higher education courses, many further education courses and to most professional and many non-professional careers.