English

Exam Board

AQA

 

Why do I have to study English Language and English Literature?

English Language is a life skill developed across the five years of secondary school and success in it at GCSE is fundamental to every student’s progress in post-16 education and the world of work.  Lessons in English allow students to explore the language in its entirety, and are focused around enjoying and appreciating how literature forms the fabric of our society. As well as learning to communicate effectively through reading, writing, speaking and listening, students are given the opportunity to develop their skills of reflection and personal expression, to prepare them to be confident, articulate and eloquent communicators of English.

 

How will I be examined?

There will be two English Language Papers and two English Literature papers, assessing students’ understanding of content and skills as follows:

 

English Language Paper 1: Fiction (Explorations in creative reading and writing) 

Section A: Assessment of reading skills – four questions

  • Question 1: List four things = 4 marks

  • Question 2: Analysis of Language = 8 marks

  • Question 3: Analysis of structure = 8 marks

  • Question 4: Evaluation of Fiction = 20 marks

 

Section B: Assessment of Writing-skills – one question

  • Question 5 Write a description based on the given picture or write a story on the given topic

  • 24 marks for content and organisation AO5

  • 16 marks for technical accuracy AO6

 

English Language Paper 2: Non-Fiction (Writers’ Viewpoints & Perspectives)

Section A: Assessment of reading skills – Four questions

  • Question 1: True or False = 4 marks

  • Question 2: Summarise differences or similarities between two texts = 8 marks

  • Question 3: Analysis of language = 8 marks

  • Question 4: Comparative analysis writers’ viewpoints = 20 marks

 

Section B: Assessment of writing skills – one question

  • Question 5 Write a Letter, article or speech to argue & explain your viewpoints

  • 24 marks for content and organisation AO5

  • 16 marks for technical accuracy AO6

 

English Literature Paper 1 (Shakespeare and 19th Century Fiction)

  • Section A: Assessment on Macbeth: One essay question = 30 marks + 4 marks for SPAG

  • Section B: Assessment on A Christmas Carol: One essay question = 30 marks

 

English Literature Paper 2 (Modern Prose and Poetry)

  • Section A: Assessment on An Inspector Calls: One essay question = 30 marks + 4 marks for SPAG

  • Section B: Assessment on Love & Relationship poems: One essay question = 30 marks

  • Section C: Assessment on Unseen Poetry: Two essay questions (A= 24 marks & B = 8 marks)

 

 

What will I study?

 

Recommended texts /additional reading:

  • CGP or York Notes GCSE Revision Guide for Macbeth by William Shakespeare

  • CGP or York Notes GCSE Revision Guide for A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

  • CGP or York Notes GCSE Revision Guide for An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley

  • CGP or York Notes GCSE Revision Guide for AQA Love and Relationships Poetry

 

Recommended online resources

  • Mr Bruff Video Tutorials on You-Tube

  • PMT English website for AQA English Literature revision notes, hints and tips

  • Mr Everything English Video Tutorials on You-Tube

 

 

Department contact

Mr Samuels (Head of Faculty) Olurotimi.Samuels@londonenterpriseacademy.org