KS 4 - ENGLISH AND ENGLISH LITERATURE

Students follow the AQA specification (spec A) for both English GCSE and English Literature GCSE - two separate qualifications. In English the course develops students’ oral and literacy skills, reading a range of texts, including Shakespeare, media and poetry. They are also encouraged to write for different purposes and audiences. In English Literature a wide range of pre and post 1914 novels, plays and poetry form the basis of coursework and examination.

The English and English Literature course is an integrated curriculum which provides opportunities for cross-over assignments in both coursework and examinations.

Coursework English and English Literature

• Shakespeare – cross-over assignment
• Prose – pre 1914 if cross-over assignment
• Media
• Original Writing
• Post 1914 Drama if Literature candidate

English GCSE Examination 2 papers

• Paper 1 ( 1hr 45 mins)
  Section A: Comprehension. Two texts, one media and one fiction or non-fiction text. Questions on use of fact and opinion, line of argument, presentational devices.
  Section B: Writing to Argue, Persuade, Advise - quality of writing, vocabulary, structure.
• Paper 2 (1hr 30 mins)
  Section A: Poems from other Cultures.
  Section B: Writing to Inform, Explain, Describe

English Literature GCSE Examination (1 hr 45 mins)

• Section A: Range of post 1914 novels or Anthology Short Stories
• Section B: Collection of Poetry by Simon Armitage and Carol Ann Duffy together with a range of Pre 1914 poems

Course Books and Equipment

• AQA Anthology
• The KS4 English Workbook
• Range of novels including “Of Mice and Men”, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, “I’m the King of the Castle”
• Planner, pens, pencils, English book, folder, eraser, ruler
  

Events and Trips

• Visits to current West End productions such as “Woman in Black”
• “Poetry Live” Anthology poets in performance
• Visiting writers and Shakespeare workshops

Key Dates