Holmwood House GCSE Options Booklet

English Language AQA

English Literature AQA

Introduction This course is compulsory for all pupils. English Language is taught alongside English Literature as a core part of the curriculum. The reading and writing skills developed on the course are also integral to success in other curriculum subjects therefore it is recognised that undertaking this GCSE will enrich the overall academic development of all pupils. The aims and objectives of the English Language GCSE are to enable pupils to read a wide range of texts fluently and with good understanding of both explicit and implicit meaning. They will analyse and explore the constructions of both fiction and non-fiction texts, using knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing. The pupils will enhance their ability to write effectively using standard English and grammar appropriately and coherently. This course will also help them acquire and apply a wide vocabulary alongside knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, as well as linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language. By the end of the course the pupils will be able to listen to, and understand, spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively. Spoken language will be reported on as a separate grade on the pupil’s certificate following an internal assessment of a prepared presentation.

Introduction This course is compulsory for all pupils. The GCSE in English Literature is recognised to improve the pupils’ cultural awareness and develop their reading skills. It will be of particular interest to pupils who enjoy reading and literature, however, we hope that it will also foster an appreciation of literature within pupils who may not consider themselves as natural or confident readers. The principal aim of the English Literature course is to enable pupils to read a wide range of classic literature fluently to develop a good understanding of the written word. In doing this, pupils are required to make literary and historical connections across their reading, applying existing and new knowledge to explore fully the meanings in texts. The course encourages pupils to read widely so as to enhance their appreciation of the depth and power of English literary heritage. By the end of the course, pupils will be able to write accurately, effectively and analytically about their reading, using Standard English. They will have acquired a wide vocabulary, including grammatical terminology and other literary and linguistic terms required to analyse and explore the content.

Examinations

Paper 1: 40% (no tier)

Paper 2: 60% (no tier)

Examinations

19th Century Novel (1 hr 45 mins) Section A: Shakespeare: (Macbeth) Section B: Dickens: A Christmas Carol

Modern Texts and Poetry (2 hrs 15 mins) Section A: J.B. Priestley: An Inspector Calls Section B: Poetry Anthology: Power and Conflict Section C: Unseen Poetry

Explorations in Creative Writing

Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives

(1hr 45 mins) Section A: Fiction Reading (1 hr) Section B: Creative Writing (45 mins)

(1 hr 45 mins) Section A: Non-fiction Reading (1 hr) Section B: Non-fiction Writing (45 mins)

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