1. English language and literature GCSE
3 year course

2. AQA GCSE English Language
Subject Content
To gain a GCSE English Language qualification students must provide assessments in the following 3 areas
1. Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing.
2. Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives.
3. Non-exam assessment – Spoken Language.

3. How is Paper One assessed? Section A: Reading
one literature fiction text
Section B: Writing
descriptive and narrative writing
Assessment Breakdown
A written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
80 marks available
Worth 50% of the GCSE
In Section A you will be given an extract from a novel or short story. This extract will be from an unseen text (one you haven’t previously studied). This is a test of your fiction reading skills.
In Section B you will be asked to produce a piece of creative writing such as a description or a story opening. This is a test of your fiction writing skills.
The exam will last 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is worth 80 marks and makes up 50% of the English Language GCSE.

4. Paper 1 - Question 1 (AO1) List 4 things from the text
5 minutes on this question

5. Paper 1 - Question 2 (AO2) How does the writer use language?
10 minutes on this question

6. Paper 1 - Question 3 (AO2) How does the writer use structure?
10 minutes on this question

7. Paper 1 - Question 4 (AO4) There will be a statement about the text
To what extent do you agree with the statement?
20 minutes on this question

8. Writing (40 marks) (25%)
1 extended writing question
(24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

9. The writing section
This section will ask you to write to describe or narrate.
You might describe a character, situation or be inspired by a photograph.
You might tell a story.

10. Paper 1 - Question 5 (AO5/6) Sample question
Write a description suggested by
this picture
Write the opening of a story where someone has been affected by the weather.

11. How is Paper Two assessed? Section A: Reading
one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text
Section B: Writing
writing to present a viewpoint
Assessment Breakdown
A written exam: 1 hour minutes
80 marks available
Worth 50% of the GCSE
In Section A you will be given two non-fiction texts. These extracts will be from an unseen text (one you haven’t previously studied). This is a test of your non-fiction reading skills.
In Section B you will be asked to produce a piece of non-fiction writing in which you present a point of view. This is a test of your non-fiction writing skills.
Like Paper 1, the Paper 2 exam will last 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is also worth 80 marks and makes up the other 50% of the English Language GCSE.

12. Paper 2 – Question 1 (AO1) Choose 4 statements that are true.
5 minutes on this question

13. Paper 2 – Question 2 (AO1)
Use details from both sources. Write a summary of the differences
8 minutes on this question

14. Paper 2 - Question 3 (AO2) How does the writer use language?
12 minutes on this question

15. Paper 2 - Question 4 (AO3)
How does the writer’s present (and compare)?
20 minutes on this question

16. Writing (40 marks) (25%)
1 extended writing question
(24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

17. Paper 2 - Question 5 (AO5/6) Point of view writing – sample question
Students should spend their free time socialising with their friends rather than spending time on social media.
Write an article for a broadsheet newspaper in which you explain your point of view on this statement.

18. The final area of assessment is:–
‘Non-exam assessment – Spoken Language’
This is assessed by the teacher and will be videoed. The task will be completed at the end of year 10. Mock assessments are completed at the end of year 9.
Pupils will receive a separate endorsement for speaking and listening.
Employers need to know if you can communicate orally. The spoken language is a vital skill and is valued by employers.

19. English Literature GCSE

20. English Literature 2 papers Paper 1 40% Shakespeare
Pre 19th century fiction
Paper 2 60%
Modern drama
Poetry Unseen poetry
Unseen poetry comparison

21. Literature year 9 Paper 1 Much Ado About Nothing – William Shakespeare
Pre 19th century fiction – Extracts
The assessments that they complete in class and at the end of the year will mirror the types of question that they will see on the GCSE examination paper.

22. Literature – year 9 Paper 2
Modern drama – the book will depend on the teacher (but it will be a past GCSE set text).
Poetry – Conflict poetry AQA Anthology – pupils will begin to study the poems in the anthology that is provided by the examination board.
Unseen poetry and unseen poetry comparison – pupils will study a variety of poems to prepare them for the skills required to answer the GCSE questions.
The assessments that they complete in class and at the end of the year will mirror the types of question that they will see on the GCSE examination paper.

23. Literature – year 10-11
Pupils will study the skills required for the exams; in year 10 and 11 pupils will study the set texts:
Paper 1
Macbeth – William Shakespeare
Pre 19th century fiction – A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
Paper 2
Modern drama – An Inspector Calls
Poetry – Conflict poetry AQA Anthology
Unseen poetry
Unseen poetry comparison

24. Sample question Shakespeare
Read the following extract from Act 3 Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet and then answer the question that follows.
At this point in the play Juliet is waiting for the Nurse to come back from meeting Romeo.
Starting with this speech, explore how Shakespeare uses language to present attitudes towards love in Romeo and Juliet.
Write about:
what Juliet says about love in this speech
how Shakespeare uses language to present
attitudes to love in the play as a whole.

25. 19th century sample question
Starting with this extract, how does Dickens present Scrooge as an outsider to society?
Write about
How Dickens presents Scrooge in this extract
How Dickens presents Scrooge as an outsider to society in the novel as a whole

26. GCSE POD

31. Literature texts
We will ask you to purchase some of the texts for your child to use so that they can write in them and annotate them we will purchase these at a reduced cost. We also offer revision guides at a reduced cost when purchased through the school.

32. Other information hfoster@psf.wirral.sch.uk vwalker@psf.wirral.sch.uk
AQA English Language and literature