Why study English Language?
English Language is vital for young people to be successful in the world. Effective communication is key, be that written or verbal. It is equally important to read with perception, to see through the bias and comprehend the real meaning writers seek to create.
Being skilled in English language allows students to think as a free agent about what they hear, see, and read in the world. We do not have to accept one version of the truth when we can infer and make our own decisions about the world.
English Language FAQ's
What will I learn?
You will access a range of texts as reading stimulus and engage with creative as well as real and relevant contexts. You will have opportunities to develop higher-order reading and critical thinking skills that encourage genuine enquiry into different topics and themes.
This course will ensure that students can read fluently and write effectively. Students will be able to demonstrate a confident control of Standard English and write grammatically correct sentences, deploying figurative language and analysing texts.
For GCSE English Language students should:
- Read fluently, and with good understanding, a wide range of texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, including literature and literary non-fiction as well as other writing such as reviews and journalism.
- Read and evaluate texts critically and make comparisons between texts.
- Summarise and synthesise information or ideas from texts.
- Use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing.
- Write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately.
- Use grammar correctly and punctuate and spell accurately.
- Acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language.
- Listen to and understand spoken language and use spoken standard English effectively.
How will I be assessed?
What’s assessed?
Section A: Reading
- One literature fiction text
Section B: Writing
- Descriptive or narrative writing
Assessed
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks, 50% of GCSE
Reading (40 marks) (25%)– one single text
- 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
- 2 longer form questions (2 x 8 marks)
- 1 extended question (1 x 20 marks)
Writing (40 marks) (25%)
- 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy
What’s assessed?
Section A: Reading
- One non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text
Section B: Writing
- Writing to present a viewpoint
Assessed
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks, 50% of GCSE
Reading (40 marks) (25%) – two linked texts
- 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
- 2 longer form questions (1 x 8, 1 x 12 marks)
- 1 extended question (1 x 16 marks)
Writing (40 marks) (25%)
- 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
Which course will I follow?
GCSE English Language (8700) AQA
What equipment will I need?
No specialist equipment is required apart from standard writing equipment. The Academy may provide you with a study guide or work book.
Where can this subject take me?
How can I support my child with English at home?
Encouraging your child to read widely and often is the most important thing that you can do to support them with their English course. Reading a range of fiction and non-fiction, newspapers, articles, blogs and playing word games will help to improve your child’s vocabulary, their reading fluency and spelling accuracy.
Talk to them about what they are reading, maybe even read the same text so that you can discuss it together.
Being a member of a local library or encouraging your child to use the school library or MyOn to access a range of texts is a really easy but effective way you can support them with their English course.
