Sydney Smith School

GCSE English Core Subject 2008

At key stage 4, beginning in year 10, students study for both English language and English literature. If attendance is above average, students are entered for both examinations and can attain two GCSEs in this subject area.

Over the two years, students must complete at least three oral assignments, six written assignments and prepare for their final examinations in the subject.

Coursework

This is composed of three oral assignments: an individual presentation; a group presentation and a drama focused activity. The six written elements of coursework include: a Shakespeare assignment; a piece of original writing; a piece of persuasive writing; a Pre-1914 prose study; a comparison of two Pre-1914 poems and a comparison of poems from other cultures

Examinations

If all coursework is completed by the end of year 10, students will be given the opportunity of taking their English Language exam in November of year 11.

For their Language qualification, students must prepare for two examinations both of which last for 2 hours. Paper one consists of a prose extract and pupils have to respond to questions. They also have to write a story and complete a descriptive writing task. In paper two, students have to compare two media texts and respond to questions. They also have two writing tasks to complete demonstrating their ability to persuade, argue and advise and analyse, review and comment.

For their Literature examination, students must study ‘An Inspector Calls’ and ‘Of Mice and Men’ as well as prepare for an analysis of an unseen poem - the Literature paper last for 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Tier of entry:

The English Language GCSE and the English Literature GCSE both have two levels of entry:

Higher:
Grades A* - D

Foundation:
Grades C - G

Homework

All students are expected to complete work at home and will be provided with a homework booklet on a termly basis. All homework must be completed and returned to school on a weekly basis.

Coursework deadlines for year 10 students (2008-2009):

Original writing and group presentation – Friday 24th October 2008
Poetry from other cultures and individual presentation - Friday 19th December 2008
Writing to persuade and Drama focused activity – Friday 13th February 2009
Shakespeare – Friday 3rd April 2009
Pre-1914 Prose study – Friday 22nd May 2009
Comparison of Pre-1914 poetry – Friday 17th July 2009

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