GCSE English Language

Intent

GCSE English Language engages with a number of different texts, fiction and non-fiction from the 19th, 20th, and 21st Centuries, to strengthen pupil development as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.

Through investigations of literature from various moments in our world, pupils will study the techniques writers use to highlight their interpretations of society.  Thus, pupils will critically expose truths, lies, and grey areas along with the cultural implications of a wide range of texts.

Pupils practise expressing their insights on texts, as well as their understanding of the world through a variety of writing (analytical and creative) and spoken language.

Implementation

Specific units and lessons have been carefully planned with both the individual pupil in mind and through a skills-based approach to strengthen and support students so they can be successful in their GCSE qualification and other qualifications they may take.

Each unit focuses on the areas of study outlined in the AQA English Language Specification: Paper 1, Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing and Paper 2, Writers’ Viewpoints. The units key in on the different skills rooted in the AQA English Language curriculum (synthesis, analysis, comparing perspectives across texts, text evaluation, effective communication, and the effective use of vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure) so students build mastery through each lesson.

Moreover, with a focus on project-based learning, pupils have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills built into each unit.

Finally, pupils are encouraged to make real-world connections with the literature and skills covered throughout each lesson.

Impact

The impact of the course together:

1. Pupils of all abilities develop the skills they need to read, understand and analyse a wide range of different texts, as well as to write clearly, coherently and accurately using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.
2. Spoken Language: emphasise for pupils to understand the importance of the wider benefits that speaking and listening skills have for them.
3. AQA GCSE qualification in English Language
4. Pupils not taking the GCSE this year will have the opportunity to lay down the foundations of reading, writing, and conversation needed in order to be successful when they do take the GCSE or Entry Level and Foundational English courses.
5. Pupils continue their growth as readers, writers, conversationalists, and, just as importantly, critical thinkers.
6. Pupils enjoy a widening perspective on the world through diverse literature.