English GCSE

Curriculum Area: English

English GCSE

This is a one-year course which aims to help rebuild confidence in English and develop your skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. With the help of your course tutor you will make an Individual Learning Plan, identifying the areas you need to improve in order to get the grade you need. Each half term you will review the progress you have made and set yourself new targets. You will need to be realistic when assessing your strengths and weaknesses and be committed to making a real effort to improve within the short duration of the course.

You will be studying the Welsh Board (WJEC) English Language GCSE course in one year.

Controlled Assessment Writing to describe and writing to narrate. Speaking and listening coursework Individual contribution. Drama-focused. Group discussion. Examination preparation Response to media texts and non-fiction texts. Writing non-fiction texts. Study of spoken language.

Methods of Teaching and Learning

This course centre very much on individual improvement in those areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening which are causing you problems. You will be encouraged to make an individual learning plan, to review your progress regularly and to set yourself realistic targets.

Teaching will include a variety of methods

• Written work: stories, essays, leaflets, letters.
• Reading: Shakespeare, prose, media.
• Oral work: presentations, role-play, debate and group discussions.

Assignments will be introduced through presentations and discussions, audio-visual resources and media texts.

Oral Assessment

You will do a variety of oral assessments throughout the course. These may be formal or informal and can take place without notice. Your tutor may award marks for discussion or group work done in the course of an ordinary lesson, therefore you need to try to incorporate speaking and listening skills in your work throughout the course.

Methods of Assessment

• Written response to Shakespeare (Reading) - 15%
• Creative Writing - 15%
• Examination Paper 1 - 20%
• Examination Paper 2 - 20%
• A study of spoken language - 10%
• Oral Assessments - 20%

Other Qualifications

Not all students will be suitable for GCSE exam entry in the year of enrolment. Some students, particularly those with an E or below at entry may be offered the KEY SKILLS LEVEL 2 COMMUNICATION exam as an alternative. This qualification is recognised by employers.

Resources

There are a variety of resources to support your learning including topic booklets, drama and fiction texts CD-Roms and videos in the library and Internet resources to support your learning.

Progression

GCSE English is an important qualification for progression into a wide range of careers and Further and Higher Education courses. The achievement of a Grade C or above is evidence of your ability to communicate orally and in writing with confidence and effectiveness.

For students wishing to enter the world of employment the study of communication allows the development of skills which are desirable in many occupations including teaching, personnel work, social work and public relations.

Entry Requirements

You must already have a D grade in GCSE English. Students with a Grade E or below at entry will be placed on an appropriate course of study in consultation with personal and support tutors.

Associated Costs

The books you study will be provided. There are no specific charges, but you are expected to provide yourself with pens, paper, a ring-binder and other items of stationery. You will also need a suitable bag in which to carry notes and work on A4 paper without folding them.