GCSE – ENGLISH
GCSE – English
Introduction
Pupils take a combined course in GCSE English Language and English Literature. (CCEA)
The CCEA GCSE English Language specification encourages students to explore and respond, both imaginatively and critically, to a variety of texts. Students use reading to improve their writing skills. They also enhance their understanding of how language variations relate to identity and culture diversity.
English Language
The table below summarises the structure of this GCSE course:
| Content | Assessment | Weighting | Availability |
| Unit 1:
Writing for Purpose and Audience and Reading to Access Non-Fiction and Media Texts |
External written examination
1 hour 40 mins
Students respond to five tasks. |
30% |
Summer and November |
|
Unit 2: Speaking and Listening |
Controlled Assessment
Untiered
CCEA give advice on activities
Teachers assess the tasks and CCEA moderate the outcomes. |
20% |
Summer and November |
|
Unit 3: Studying Spoken and Written Language
|
Controlled Assessment
Untiered
CCEA set the tasks each year
Teachers assess the tasks and CCEA moderate the outcomes. |
20% |
Summer and November |
|
Unit 4: Personal or Creative Writing and Reading Literary and Non-Fiction Texts |
External written examination
Untiered
1 hour 40 mins
Students respond to five tasks. |
30% |
Summer and November |
At least 40 percent of the assessment (based on unit weightings) must be taken at the end of the course as terminal assessment.
English Literature
The table below summarises the structure of this GCSE course:
| Content | Assessment | Weighting | Availability |
| Unit 1:
The Study of Prose
|
External written examination
1 hour 45 mins
Students answer two questions, one from Section A and the set question in Section B.
|
30% | Summer
|
| Unit 2:
The Study of Drama and Poetry |
External written examination
2 hours
Students answer two questions, one from Section A and one from Section B.
|
50% | Summer
|
| Unit 3:
The Study of Shakespeare
|
Controlled assessment
2 hours
Students complete one task: an extended writing question based on a theme.
Teachers mark the tasks and CCEA moderate the results.
|
20% | Summer
|
At least 40 percent of the assessment (based on unit weightings) must be taken at the end of the course as terminal assessment.
Key Stage 4 pupils have the opportunity to view media adaptations of their texts in order to develop their understanding and to attend productions and workshops when these are available.
Theatre Visits
Students, studying the Brian Friel play, ‘Philadelphia, Here I Come!’ for GCSE English Literature enjoyed Craic Theatre’s fabulous production.
To enhance their understanding, Year 12 students, studying the Willy Russell play, ‘Blood Brothers’ will have the opportunity to visit The Millennium Forum in Derry in 2023.
GCSE pupils have 7 periods per week.
For more information on the CCEA English Language and Literature Specifications click on the link
http://www.rewardinglearning.org.uk/microsites/english_literature/revised_gcse/index.asp