English is a compulsory subject for all Year 10 & Year 11 pupils. The English Department offers an integrated Language and Literature course for all GCSE pupils. However, you and your parents will be happy to know that English and English Literature do count as TWO GCSEs. The integrated course reflects the fact that the distinction between English and English Literature is in fact an artificial one, as the two are interdependent at this level.
English
GCSE English aims to enable you to understand and use written and spoken English appropriately for a range of purposes in a wide variety of formal and informal contexts. A noteworthy element is the compulsory assessment of oral communication; this coursework will cover speaking and listening in various activities from individual speeches to group debates. Students are awarded a grade to reflect their final competence in Speaking and Listening.
The work will be relevant both to your immediate educational and social needs, and to your future needs as an adult. Materials will include extracts from literature, with several complete texts read and studied, and extracts from non-literary/real life pieces such as newspapers, advertisements, brochures, etc. Films can also be deconstructed for media–based coursework. Assessment is by: Examination (2 papers) 60% Written Coursework 20% Oral Coursework 20%
English Literature
GCSE English Literature allows you to explore several aspects of literature through the in-depth study and wider reading of texts in all of the three main genres: prose (novels, short stories and biography); poetry; and drama.
From your study of literature, it is hoped you will gain the benefits of enjoying books, of being exposed to writing from different cultures and of experiencing emotional and intellectual growth through reading about new experiences and considering different viewpoints. Texts to be studied are chosen from a list of classic and modern texts/plays set by the Examining Board; and from a compulsory Anthology of literature published by the Board. Naturally, a certain amount of reading will have to be done outside class, and you will be encouraged to maintain good personal reading habits. You will be asked to buy your own copies of the set texts (probably just one, but possibly two) in Year 10, as you can write in these copies and take them in to the exam with you. Assessment is by: Examination (1 paper) 70% Coursework 30%