All students at GCSE follow courses in either 'English Studies' or 'English Language and Literature' with the Edexcel specification. The 'English Studies' course is designed for students wishing to gain a qualification which demonstrates reading and writing functionality, as well as the development of skills in speaking and listening. In addition, the course encompasses elements of literature, including Shakespeare and a range of contemporary poetry. The course has two tiers, higher and foundation; foundation entry allows pupils to gain grades C to G, whereas the higher level provides the opportunity to attain A* to D grades.
The course has a combination of controlled assessments, speaking and listening tasks and examinations. The controlled assessment for unit 1 is worth 20% of the GCSE and comprises of two tasks, reading and understanding of a non-fiction text and a written assessment linked to a specific purpose and perspective. An additional controlled assessment, also worth 20%, is based on transactional writing and poetry. The examination unit is worth 40% of the total grade and consists of a written task based on Shakespeare and different cultures prose. In addition, students will be required to write for purpose and audience. The final 20% of the grade is awarded for three speaking and listening tasks.
English Language and Literature is a more demanding course and is intended for the most able pupils. The language element corresponds with the 'English Studies' course, having two controlled assessments, one examination unit and a range of speaking and listening tasks. In addition, students are assessed on three literature units, all of which are external examinations. Unit 1 questions knowledge of different cultures prose and a literary heritage text and is worth 50% of the total grade. Unit 2 assesses understanding of poetry, and throughout unit 3 students will study contemporary drama and Shakespeare. Units 2 and 3 are worth 25% of the final mark respectively.
Throughout both key stages, the English department aims to promote a love of reading, an appreciation of literature and the opportunity for pupils to express themselves creatively, whilst imparting functional skills required for the world today.