Contact: Head of Department Mr N Vallender

Email: [email protected]

Qualification Details

AQA GCSE English Language

What you will study/How you will be assessed:

Students will receive a GCSE qualification on a nine-point scale from 9-1, where 9 is the highest grade for English Language and a separate GCSE qualification for English Literature. 

Students will sit un-tiered exams accessible to learners of different abilities. There are no separate papers for Foundation/Higher tier.

Language Component 1 (1hour 45 minutes)

Reading (40 marks) (25%) – one single text

• 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
• 2 longer form questions (2 x 8 marks)
• 1 extended question (1 x 20 marks)

Writing (40 marks) (25%)

• 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

Language Component 2 (1hour 45 minutes)

Reading (40 marks) (25%) – two linked texts

• 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
• 2 longer form questions (1 x 8, 1 x 12 marks)
• 1 extended question (1 x 16 marks)

Writing (40 marks) (25%)

• 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

Potential Post-16 progression:

The English GCSE is a basic qualification for any type of further study and most types of employment. Most sixth form colleges require a GCSE pass for entry to their courses. Both English Language and English Literature develop your communication skills.

Potential Careers/Higher Education progression:

English qualifications allow access to may A Level courses such as History, Geography, Psychology, Faith and Ethics and Politics to name but a few.