SUBJECT AIM
In IGCSE English language we aim to develop students’ communication skills across the disciplines of reading, writing and spoken language. Through the topics and tasks completed over the two-year course, students are also exposed to a range of perspectives, viewpoints and text types which support them in building their empathy and imagination skills. By the end of their two years of study students’ English skills and critical skills are well prepared to support them as they progress into post-16 education and beyond.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
Over the two years of the course, students study in preparation for an examination paper and for two pieces of coursework. The exam paper requires students to read an anthology of contemporary non-fiction texts which comprises of a range of text types presenting opinions, experiences and locations from across the world. Students learn how to analyse the construction of these texts and write in a similar style. For coursework, students refine their creative writing skills as well as explore the way in which language creates impact in a collection of poetry.
HOW WILL YOU BE ASSESSED
Students complete two pieces of coursework in Year 10, each piece is worth 20% of their final grade. In order to best prepare for their coursework student may submit one draft to their teacher and receive feedback before completing and submitting a final draft. The creative writing coursework should be 800-1000 words and the poetry coursework should be 1100 – 1400 words. As this is a linear GCSE course, students will also sit an examination paper at the end of Year 11. This paper is worth 60% of their final grade. Within the paper half of the marks are awarded for their successful analysis of the anthology texts; the other half of the marks are awarded for the ability to complete an extended transactional writing task.
WHAT THIS SUBJECT CAN LEAD TO
- Journalism, translation, digital copywriting, teaching, linguistics, proof-reader, editorial writer
| THE LEARNING JOURNEY FOR ENGLISH | ||||||
| Unit / Block of work | Key Episodes / Questions | Additional Detail | Colour Code | Length of time. | Possible Symbol? | Learner Attribute(s) |
| Poetry and Prose | How are the experiences of marginalised figures presented in Literature? | Poetic and prose language techniques Poems and prose extracts from Language Anthology Unseen poetry analysis Assessment: Language coursework: Poetry and prose anthology Literature unseen poetry question | Purple | 8 weeks | Poetry symbol | Open-minded Thinker |
| An Inspector Calls | To what extent do writers use their positions of power to influence change in society? | Knowledge of context of 1910s Britain Reading and studying of key moments in the text Analysis of characters Dramatic devices Assessment: Literature coursework: Modern Drama, ‘An Inspector Calls’. | Orange | 8 weeks | Cover of An Inspector Calls | Inquirer Principled |
| Romeo and Juliet | How do society and societal norms alter the way we view a text over time? | Knowledge of context of Elizabethan England Reading and studying of key moments in the text Analysis of theme and characters Dramatic devices Different readers, different times Assessment: Literature coursework: Literary Heritage Drama, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ | Orange | 8 weeks | Cover of Romeo and Juliet | Knowledgeable Reflective |
| Non-fiction Anthology | How do writers use language and structure to communicate their perspectives on experiences? | Reading and analysing texts in the Language Anthology Practice examination skills and question types Assessment: English Language Paper 1 Section A | Green | 6 weeks | Symbol for non-fiction | Communicator Caring |
| Transactional Writing | How do we change our choices as writers to meet different needs? | Different non-fiction text types Conventions of non-fiction writing Practice writing for different puposes and audiences Assessment: English Language Paper 1 Section B | Blue | 4 weeks | Symbol for writing | Balanced Risk-taker |
| THE LEARNING JOURNEY FOR ENGLISH | ||||||
| Unit / Block of work | Key Episodes / Questions | Additional Detail | Colur Code | Length of time. | Possible Symbol? | Learner Attribute(s) |
| Of Mice and Men | To what extent are contextual factors essential to our understanding of a text? | Knowledge of context of 1930s USA Reading and understanding of text Analysis of key themes and characters Practice examination questions Assessment: Literature Paper 1 Section C | Orange | 8 weeks | Cover of Of Mice and Men book | Open-minded Principled Caring |
| Language Exam Preparation | How do writers communicate their ideas in complex and sophisticated ways? | Revision of anthology texts Revision of transactional writing and text types Practice examination questions Assessment: English Language Paper 1 | Green and Blue | 6 weeks | Symbol for non-fiction and writing | Communicator Knowledgeable |
| Poetry Anthology | Has the passage of time changed the way poets express their ideas? | Reading and understanding of Literature poetry anthology Poetic devices revision Analysis and annotation of poems Comparison skills Practice examination questions Assessment: Literature Paper 1 Section A and B | Purple | 8 weeks | Symbol for poetry | Balanced Thinker Inquirer |
| Literature Exam Preparation | What value is there to the study of Literature? | Revision of anthology poetry Revision of unseen poetry skills Revision of Of Mice and Men text Practice examination questions Assessment: Literature Paper 1 | Orange and Purple | 6 weeks | Symbol for exam | Reflective Risk-taker |