KS4
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
GCSE Course Followed: English Language and English Literature (Two GCSEs)
- Specification: AQA (Syllabus codes: English Language 8700 and English Literature 8702)
Why Study GCSE English and English Literature
Language surrounds, defines and shapes us as individuals, and as a society. Literature in English is rich and influential, reflecting the experiences and creativity of people from many countries and times. This dynamic interplay between language and literature is what makes GCSE English such a diverse and stimulating subject.
In today’s competitive society, it is vital for young people to be confident communicators, skilful readers and effective writers. In English lessons, students develop the ability to express themselves imaginatively in a range of different contexts. They learn to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama, as well as non-fiction and media texts.
English provides the skills that are the cornerstone of a good all-round education and a successful, fulfilling life – communication, creativity and clarity. At the heart of our work is a passionate belief in the power of language, the adventure of literature and the joy of self-expression.
Students will take two GCSEs – English Language and English Literature – taught together as a single course.
English Language (AQA)
Students sit two examinations, each 1 hour 45 minutes long, both of which involve reading and understanding previously unseen non-fiction or fiction material from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. There will also be a writing task on each paper. Paper 1 offers a choice of descriptive or narrative writing whilst Paper 2 requires students to present a viewpoint. There is no coursework or controlled assessment. Except for the internally assessed Spoken Language component, all assessment is through examinations taken at the end of Year 11.
English Literature (AQA)
Students sit two examinations – one of 1 hour 45 minutes and the other 2 hours 15 minutes - in which they write about one Shakespeare play, one nineteenth century novel, either a play or a novel written since 1914, and some poetry. Students who achieve the highest grades and get the most out of their English lessons do the following: read regularly across a range of fiction and non-fiction genres, write regularly for personal enjoyment, participate in discussion and debate, keep up with news and current affairs, visit the cinema and theatre, learn new words and enjoy using the English language.
Recommended reading lists, sample exam papers and study resources are available in the student area.
Key Stage Four | Curriculum Overview
Year 10
| NAME OF THE TOPIC | KEY CONTENT OF THE TOPIC | ASSESSMENT POINTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HT1 |
Conflict Poetry 1900 |
The 19th Century brought radical change: scientific breakthroughs, industrialisation and significant challenges to established religious ideas from Darwin and Freud's theories. Stevenson's novel is a cunning expose of middle-class hypocrisy as well as a rip-roaring, twisted thriller |
Literature P2B |
|
HT2 |
Jekyll and Hyde 1900 |
Conflict and war often present us with the very best and worst of human nature. This LP includes soldier's firsthand experiences alongside views of war from family members, trauma victims, those deemed cowards, and even a war photographer. |
Literature P1B |
|
HT3 |
Creative Reading and Writing |
Right at the heart of English is the ability to read, understand, and respond. The LP is about reading fiction swiftly, with perception, and analysing a writer's methods. The writing section is a chance to write fiction with control, accuracy and flair. |
Language P1A/B |
|
HT4 |
Unseen Poetry |
After studying 15 'set' poems, the challenge here is to encounter two unseen poems with confidence. Poetry is to be enjoyed and appreciated and the spirit of this LP is to encourage exploration, inference, interpretation and a bold individual response. |
Literature P2C |
|
HT5 |
Y10 Trial Exam |
Creative Reading and Writing Jekyll and Hyde / Conflict Poetry |
Language P1 Literature P1B/2B |
|
HT6 |
Reading and Writing from a Viewpoint 1900 |
English Language P2 is a non-fiction paper. First, reading two texts - one modern and one pre-1900. Summarising, analysing and comparing are the key skills. The writing section involves planning a line of argument, and completing a controlled, accurate, powerful piece of non-fiction. |
Language P2A/B |
Year 11
| NAME OF TOPIC | KEY CONTENT OF THE TOPIC | ASSESSMENT POINTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HT1 |
Macbeth 1900 |
After studying 'Hamlet' in Y9, students have explored some tragic theory, experienced the unique power of Shakespearean tragedy, become familiar with Shakespeare's language and verse, and learnt about his theatre and his age. Time for Macbeth. |
Literature P1A |
|
HT2 |
Trial Exams |
Creative Reading and Writing Macbeth / Jekyll and Hyde |
Language P1 Literature P1 |
|
HT3 |
Power Poetry 1900 |
Power is central to human relationships and society – the powerful and the powerless. These poems explore repressive governments, megalomaniac emperors, cold aristocrats, as well as awe-inspiring mountains, wild sea storms, beautiful books, and forgotten heroes. |
Literature P2B |
|
HT4 |
Trial Exams |
Reading from Different Viewpoints |
Language P1 Literature P2 |
|
HT5 |
Revision |
All sections of Language and Literature papers |
|
|
HT6 |
N/A |
GCSE Exams |
Recommended Revision Guides for GCSE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
- Reading widely across fiction and non-fiction genres is the best way to prepare together with completing past exam papers.
- CGP Books: New GCSE English Language AQA Complete Revision & Practice - Grade 9-1 -Revision Book - ISBN-10: 1782944141.
- CGP Books: New GCSE English Language AQA Complete Revision & Practice - Grade 9-1 Course - SAMPLE PAPERS - ISBN-10: 1782944125
- The Student Area carries all revision materials and past papers.
ENGLISH LITERATURE
- Revision guides for set texts will be provided by teachers.
- Study notes on classic texts are also available free on-line at sites such as: www.sparknotes.com and www.cliffsnotes.com.
- Commercially produced guides by CGP, Cambridge, Collins or Heinemann are useful as long as they are specifically for the AQA specification 8702.
YORK NOTES STUDY GUIDES AND WORKBOOKS:
- An Inspector Calls ISBN-10: 1447982169 / ISBN-10: 1292100796
- Jekyll and Hyde ISBN-10: 1447982185 / ISBN-10: 1292138084
- Macbeth ISBN-10: 1447982207 / ISBN-10: 1292100818
- Power and Conflict Poetry ISBN-10: 129213805X
- The Student area carries all revision materials and past papers.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR GCSE STUDENTS
All students in years 10 and 11 are encouraged to see their English teacher at any time if they need guidance or support. The student area carries a comprehensive range of support materials.