AQA(A)

This course is suitable for those students who have previously gained grade D in GCSE English Language and who would like to achieve a grade C in this subject.

Course Outline
Coursework (40%)
Speaking and Listening (20%): You will develop your ability to express your ideas clearly and succinctly, listen attentively and respond to what others say in an appropriate style.  You will be assessed throughout the year on your spoken contributions in different situations.  Candidates have to complete three oral assignments, including:

• Individual contribution
• Drama and role-play
• Discussion in a group

Reading and Writing (20%): You will develop your ability to read accurately and analyse the techniques used by writers to create particular effects.  You will study a range of genres.  In addition to this you will revise how to communicate your ideas clearly and accurately in writing.  There will be opportunities to draft and redraft your written work to develop content and improve basic accuracy. Candidates have to complete four assignments, one of which may be an oral assessment, including:

• Analysis of a play by Shakespeare
• Analysis of the writer’s techniques in a novel or short stories
• Media
• Original writing

Exam Work (preparation for papers one and two (60%).
Throughout the year, you will develop and improve the skills needed to gain a good grade in the final exams.  Your teacher will help you to focus on the following areas:

• Reading and analysing media and non-fiction
• Writing to argue, persuade, advise
• Reading and analysing poems from other cultures
• Writing to inform, explain, describe

Your lessons will be organised into three taught lessons.  You will also get the opportunity to go on theatre visits during the year.

Preferred Entry Requirements
Grade D in English Language GCSE.