English - KS4

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Students at SJB study English because it defines our reality – from the way that we think, to the words that we speak, to the way that we write. Language enriches students’ minds with an understanding, respect and empathy for different voices from across time and cultures. By studying English, students will engage with the world outside of the classroom, become more confident in their self-expression, and develop an appreciation of language in all its forms.

Exam board: AQA

Qualifications: English Language 8700

                        English Literature 8702

GCSE English Language Specification

GCSE English Literature Specification

Curriculum Map for English 

Students will study for both English Language and English Literature GCSEs across the two years. There are two exam papers for each specification, as well as a Spoken Language component for GCSE Language which is marked separately. 

Paper 1

Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing   

1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks)

50% of GCSE English Language

Section A: READING – extract: one literature fiction text

Q1 - Multiple choice (4 marks)

Q2 - Analyse language (8 marks)

Q3 - Analyse structure (8 marks)

Q4 - Evaluate the statement and analyse methods (20 marks)

Section B: WRITING descriptive or narrative writing (40 marks)

Q5 -  1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
Paper 2

Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives

1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks)  

50% of GCSE English Language

Section A: READING – two extracts: one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text

Q1 – Multiple choice (4 marks)

Q2 – summary of similarities or differences (8 marks)

Q3 – Analysis of language (12 marks)

Q4 – differences in viewpoint and how it is presented (16 marks)

Section B: WRITING – writing to present a viewpoint (argue, persuade, advise) (40 marks)

1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
Non-exam assessment: Spoken Language 
Students will gain a separate Spoken Language certificate with a grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction. For this, they will need to prepare and perform an individual presentation, and answer questions on their chosen topic. 

We study Paper 1 in year 10, completing an assessment paper in class, and another in the year 10 exam period. Paper 2 is studied in year 11, with an assessment paper in class and a second in the year 11 mocks. Both papers will then be re-visited and some areas assessed after Christmas of year 11 to prepare for the GCSE. 

Paper 1 

Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel   

1 hour 45 minutes (64 marks)

40% of GCSE English Literature

Section A: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. 

  • One question on an extract from the play and how it links to the play as a whole. (30 marks) 
  • SPaG marks  (4 marks) 

Section B: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. 

  • One question on an extract from the novel and how it links to the novel as a whole (30 marks) 
Paper 2

Modern texts and poetry

2 hour 15 minutes (96 marks) 

60% of GCSE English Literature

Section A: An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley. 

  • One essay question from a choice of two (30 marks) 
  • SPAG marks (4 marks) 

Section B: The Poetry Anthology – Love and Relationships.

45 minutes

  • One comparative question on one named poem and compare with one other poem you have studied. (30 marks) 

Section C: Unseen poetry. 45 minutes

  • One question on one unseen poem (24 marks)
  • one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem. (8 marks) 

Students begin their GCSE studies with Romeo and Juliet in the final term of year 9. This allows us time to fully read and annotate the Literature texts; students all have their own copies with their own notes. They will study An Inspector Calls, Jekyll and Hyde and Unseen Poetry in year 10, with the Anthology poetry in year 11. Each unit of work will have an assessment at the end. Literature Paper 1 is assessed in the year 10 exams, and Literature Paper 2 in the year 11 mocks. After Christmas of year 11, students will continue to be assessed on the areas that are most needed in the lead up to the exams. 

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