English GCSE
Duration
One year course – September to June
Introduction
The syllabus concentrates on writing for a variety of purposes. You will be reading and responding to a wide range of texts and learning to express ideas in speech and on paper with increased fluency and confidence.
Content
You will carry out 4 controlled assessments under exam conditions with a single side of notes allowed. One is a creative writing piece, a non-literary response, an analysis of Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry and a piece in response to a spoken language transcript. You also complete a range of Speaking and Listening tasks. These coursework components of the course will form 60 % of the overall GCSE course.
Teaching Methods
Teaching methods are based around group discussion and lecture centred learning. Coursework sessions are frequently run in workshop style, which enables you to gain the best possible grade for each piece of written work.
Assessment
Assessment is by controlled assessment (60%) and exam (40%). This entails taking four controlled assessments throughout the year, and one final exam in June based on a range of Media and Non-fiction unseen stimulus and a creative writing response.
Qualification Gained
The General Certificate in Secondary Education in English is a necessary qualification for many forms of employment and is often considered to be essential to university applications.
Opportunities for Progression
Once you have successfully completed the GCSE English course you may then progress onto a level 3 English program such as A-level English literature or English language courses.
A good pass Grade in GCSE English is essential to university entry and a pre-requisite for many other level 3 courses. It is also seen by many employers to be vital indicator of your spoken and written English ability.
Entry Requirements
You will need a minimum of a D grade already in your GCSE English. If you have below this grade, you will be entered onto an alternative course to increase your English skills. Alternatively if you have already achieved a grade E for GCSE you will be required to gain a pass grade in Key Skills communication level 2.
For Further Information
Please contact the Advice Zone on 0121 477 1300, call in or email info@bournville.ac.uk
Reference
(SF061) 07/12
