Key Stage Four
Key Stage 4
GCSE English Language and Literature
The Department follow the AQA syllabus. Students in years 10 and 11 study units of work on the following topics:
- a modern drama text such as ‘A View from the Bridge’ by A. Miller
- revising the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’
- a pre 20th century novel, such as ‘Great Expectations’ by C. Dickens
- Media/non-fiction
- Shakespeare's ‘Romeo and Juliet’ or ‘Macbeth’
- Poetry of Diverse Cultures
- A selection of pre 20th century poems, which are to be compared with either the poetry of Gillian Clarke and Seamus Heaney or Carol Ann Duffy and Simon Armitage. The Department take poetry trips to hear some of these poets read and discuss their work.
The students have to write five pieces of coursework, which is worth 20% for Language and 30% for Literature.
The course also consists of speaking and listening activities, which account for 20 % of the English Language assessment. These activities will include role-play, discussions, debates and speeches.