English Language and English Literature Being able to communicate effectively is the most sought-after skill in the world today and the English Language is currently the dominant world language. In English, you will continue to learn, think and write critically about the ways that many forms of texts, from a presidential speech, to news articles, to a Shakespearean tragedy, reflect and shape our world. You will hone your skills as a writer, producing texts in a wide range of forms for an even wider range of audiences and purposes. You will develop your speaking and listening skills so that you can express yourself clearly and effectively within a group and as an individual. You will enjoy some of the most thought-provoking and moving texts in English from around the world. Most importantly, you will gain insights that will be valuable every day of your life and will give you a new and rich insight into the human condition. The two GCSEs are taught in blocks of material, so that there is variety throughout the year. English Language “If the English language made any sense, a catastrophe would be an apostrophe with fur!” (Doug Larson) What you will study You will study themes, through which you will examine a variety of text on a particular subject, such as ‘love’ or ‘poverty’. The course is equally split between reading and writing, with technical accuracy of your work taking a prominent part: it comprises 20% of your final grade. How you will be assessed There are two final examinations: • Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing • Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives The examinations will test unseen reading of fiction and nonfiction and both creative and non-fiction writing.
Examination Boards English Language – AQA English Literature – AQA Core Subjects 10 NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS GDST
English Literature “There is creative reading as well as creative writing.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson) What you will study The English Literature course includes the study of a modern novel or modern play, a play by Shakespeare, a selection of poetry and a 19th century novel. How you will be assessed The course is assessed through two final examinations, one of which has an unseen element. The answers are all essays on the texts that you have read. The two final examinations are on: • Pre 20th century writers • Modern poetry and drama or prose
