Why should I study this subject?
English is a compulsory GCSE subject for many important reasons. At its heart, the study of English develops students’ ability to use language effectively – to communicate ideas clearly, debate thoughtfully and shape convincing arguments. These are essential skills for success both in education and beyond.
Throughout the course, students explore what makes great writing across a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts. They will develop their own voices through creative, persuasive, argumentative and analytical writing, building confidence and precision in their work.
Students will also study a selection of fascinating works of English literature. These texts encourage reflection on human experience, society and our place in the world, helping students to think critically about their own actions and the world around them.
What will I study?
GCSE English texts include:
- Macbeth
- An Inspector Calls
- A Christmas Carol
- Power and Conflict Poetry Cluster from the AQA GCSE Poetry Anthology
How will I be assessed?
Your English lessons will see you studying for two GCSE qualifications, English Language and English Literature, and you will receive a separate grade for each subject.
The exam board for English is AQA and in both qualifications assessment is 100% exam based at the end of the course, with two papers for each subject (see below). In English Language, you will also need to prepare and perform a spoken language speech on video that is reported separately on your exam certificate as either a Distinction, Merit or Pass.
The weighting for SPAG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) differs between English Language and English Literature. In English Language, 20% of the total marks across the two exam papers are awarded for SPAG. In English Literature, this is reduced to 4 marks on each exam paper.
English Language Paper 1
- Explorations in creative writing
- Exam duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks – 50% of final GCSE grade
English Language Paper 2
- Viewpoints and perspectives in non-fiction
- Exam duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks – 50% of final GCSE grade
English Literature Paper 1
- Shakespeare and the 19th century novel
- Exam duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 64 marks – 40% of final GCSE grade
English Literature Paper 2
- Modern texts and poetry
- Exam duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- 96 marks – 60% of final GCSE grade
Are there higher and foundation tiers?
No. All students sit the same exam and study the same content, with questions designed to allow achievement across the full range of grades (9–1).
Are there any trips or enrichment opportunities?
As part of the course, we always try to see a suitable production of any text we study if possible, either in a theatre (which would be our preference) or a live stream.
Will this course be good preparation for post-16 study?
This course will prepare you for further study in a range of post-16 courses and there are specific routes if your intentions are to continue with English: English Language, English Literature and a combined Literature and Language course. It will also give you the key analytical skills needed to study and interpret a range of texts in any subject and the writing skills to explain your findings..
What are the next steps?
For further information about GCSE English Language or Literature, please email
