English GCSE
This is a one year course which aims to help rebuild confidence in English and develop your skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. With the help of your course tutor you will make an Individual Learning Plan, identifying the areas you need to improve in order to get the grade you need.
Each term you will review the progress you have made and set yourself new targets. You will need to be realistic when assessing your strengths and weaknesses and be committed to making a real effort to improve within the short duration of the course.
GCSE English is an important qualification for progression into a wide range of careers or Further and Higher Education courses.
The achievement of a grade C or above is evidence of your ability to communicate orally and in writing with confidence and effectiveness.
Entry Requirements
Grade D at your previous attempt OR a written diagnostic test. Students with a grade E or below at entry will be placed on an appropriate course of study in consultation with tutors.
Course Content
Autumn term
Written Assessment:
- original writing (providing opportunities to inform, explain, describe)
- response to Shakespeare (a written assignment based on the study of a Shakespeare play).
Oral assessment:
- drama focused activity (providing opportunities to explore, analyse, imagine)
- group discussion (providing opportunities to discuss, argue, persuade).
Spring term
Written Assessment:
- response to poetry (a written assignment comparing at least three poems)
Oral assessment:
- individual presentation (providing opportunities to explain, describe, narrate.
- group discussion (providing opportunities to discuss, argue, persuade).
In the summer term you will be preparing for the examination. You will also spend time in all three terms working on and improving your writing and reading skills.
Method of Assessment
Percentage of overall grade:
Written coursework (reading) 10%
Written coursework (reading) 10%
Oral coursework 20%
Examination paper 1 30%
Examination paper 2 30%
Students will have many opportunities to sit mock examination papers both within classes and for homework.