English at GCSE is a development of the reading and communication skills taught in the lower school. These skills are crucial in developing independent and creative thinkers who can express themselves clearly, both verbally and in written form.
A wide variety of opportunities for using spoken and written English in real and imagined situations is provided. All pupils are prepared for the Edexcel specification for English Language.
These courses are taught as an integrated whole, leading to two separate GCSE qualifications. Pupils will sit four externally assessed written papers at the end of Year 11: two for each English subject.
This course is assessed entirely through final examination. There are two written examinations as outlined below. There is a spoken language component to the English Language GCSE which is compulsory but does not contribute marks towards the qualification. This separate endorsement will be teacher-assessed in English lessons.
| Key Course Details | |
|---|---|
| Exam board | Edexcel |
| Assessment | Written examination (100%) |