Course Overview
The English course followed by all students in Years 10 and 11 consists of two separately certificated subjects: ‘English Language’ and ‘English Literature’. All students will normally be entered for both and receive two GCSE grades. The syllabus has changed. There is no longer any coursework element and no exams may be taken early. Instead, there will be exams at the end of Year 11, two in English Language and two in English Literature. All students take the same exam; there is no ‘Higher’ or ‘Foundation’ tier.
The aims of the English Language specification focus on a range of skills in reading and writing, by developing accurate, appropriate and effective communication. Analytical and evaluative reading is encouraged and students will be required to comment on both Nineteenth and Twentieth Century texts. A range of skills for writing both creatively and factually will be developed. Students are also encouraged to develop their abilities as speakers and listeners via a range of informal oral activities and one formal assessment but these will not contribute to their overall mark in English Language.
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Course Title: |
GCSE English Language |
 View Specification |
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Exam Board: |
OCR |
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Course Code: |
J351 |
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QAN: |
601/4575/4 |
The English Literature specification provides students with many opportunities to study a range of drama, poetry and prose. It encourages students to develop their ability to read with discrimination and to study texts written before the Twentieth Century as well as some written after the year 2000. Social, historical and cultural contexts and influences are considered as part of the study of texts. Students are no longer allowed to take texts into the exams and they are required to learn some quotations from each text.
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Course Title:
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GCSE English Literature
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 View Specification
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Exam Board:
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OCR
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Course Code:
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J352
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QAN:
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601/4872/X
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The study of literature forms a basis for much of the work within both subjects and students will be required to compare passages from a studied text with passages from previously unseen texts.
Assessment Criteria - English Language
Paper 1
Communicating Information and Ideas |
80 Marks 2 hour written paper 50% of total GCSE |
Paper 2
Exploring effects and impact |
80 Marks 2 hour written paper 50% of total GCSE |
Assessment Criteria - English Literature
Paper 1
Exploring modern and literary heritage texts |
80 Marks 2 hour written paper 50% of total GCSE |
Paper 2
Exploring poetry and Shakespeare |
80 Marks 2 hour written paper 50% of total GCSE |
Where next?
A good grade in English Language is a pre-requisite for any Level 3 course including moving onto the Sixth Form. We also offer English Literature in Sixth Form.
Contact: Miss M. McCabe
If you have any questions or queries relating to the English curriculum please email headofenglish@ecclesbourne.derbyshire.sch.uk for more information.