English Language

English at GCSE builds on the creative and critical skills explored in lower school. Through the balance of examined and NEA content, pupils will develop the transferable cognitive and intrapersonal skills needed for success at iGCSE and beyond.

These skills are crucial in developing independent and creative thinkers who can communicate articulately and cohesively, whilst demonstrating empathy and understanding. A wide variety of opportunities for using spoken and written English in real and imagined situations are explored. All pupils are prepared for the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English Language A and Literature. These courses are taught as an integrated whole, leading to two separate iGCSE qualifications: English Language and English Literature. International GCSE qualifications, like GCSE qualifications, enable successful progression onto A Level courses and beyond. 

Course Content

Component 1: External examination: Non-Fiction Texts & Transactional Writing

What’s assessed?

Section A: Reading
a mixture of short- and long-answer questions related to a non-fiction text from Part 1 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology (open book) and one previously unseen extract.

Section B: Writing
one 45-mark writing task, from a choice of two involving a given audience, form or purpose.

Component 3: Non-examined assessment (coursework): Poetry & Prose texts and Imaginative Writing

What’s assessed?

Assignment A: Reading
An essay, exploring THREE texts from Part 2 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology. At least one poetry and one prose must be explored.

Assignment B: Writing
One imaginative writing task to narrate and/or describe and/or entertain