GCSE ENGLISH

COURSE OUTLINE

English

This course includes elements of English Literature as well as skills in communicating and understanding of the English Language.

Key aims of the course are to develop students' abilities in -

1. Speaking and listening - including understanding of effective expression in a variety of contexts, matching style and response to the audience and purpose.

2. Reading - the ability to read, understand and respond to all types of writing and to develop research and information retrieval skills.

3. Writing - including the ability to use correct grammar and standard English, except where non-standard forms are required for literary purposes, matching style to the audience and purpose.

Pupils will be encouraged to produce imaginative and interesting original work, as well as responses to a variety of forms of the written and spoken word.

Language study will include standard English vocabulary and grammar, as well as opportunity to consider the development of modern English, attitudes to language use and dialect.

Courses will include coursework elements. Coursework folders will demonstrate a range of reading undertaken, the study of language, the study of whole works of literature, a response to the work of Shakespeare, achievements in speaking and listening, and skills in work planning, redrafting, revision and presentation.

Examinations may test understanding and response to both seen (ie previously circulated and read) literary materials and unseen texts.

English Literature

This course will be of interest to those who wish to develop their enjoyment and understanding of English literature in all its forms.

The course develops communication skills as does the English course, but the emphasis is on studying in depth a variety of examples of English literature, including modern and classic literature, poetry, the novel and short story forms, and drama.

GCSE candidates may enter for both English and Engish Literature, and present a common coursework portfolio.