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GCSE English Language
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In Years 11 and 12 English Language is studied by most pupils as a GCSE option (a very small number of pupils may sit Key Skills or Essential Skills in Communication instead).
The Exam Board we use for GCSE English Language and Literature is CCEA. Click here to go to the CCEA English Language site. Click here for the GCSE English Language Specification.
Communication is a very important aspect of everyday life and is the foundation for good relationships. Undoubtedly, technology in the 21st century has transformed how pupils communicate locally and globally but it is still essential that English can be used properly. The purpose of CCEA English is to enable pupils to foster effective skills in: Reading, Writing, Talking and Listening. These are skills in which employers place increasing importance.
Aims
This specification aims to encourage pupils to:
· demonstrate skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing necessary to communicate with others confidently, effectively, precisely and appropriately;
· express themselves creatively and imaginatively;
· become critical readers of a range of texts, including demonstrate skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing necessary to communicate with others confidently, effectively, precisely and appropriately;
· express themselves creatively and imaginatively;
· become critical readers of a range of texts, including multi-modal texts;
· use reading to develop their own skills as writers;
· understand the patterns, structures and conventions of written and spoken English;
· understand the impact of variations in spoken and written language and how they relate to identity and cultural diversity; and
· select and adapt speech and writing to different situations and audiences.
Key Features
· This is a unitised specification, allowing pupils flexibility in preparing for assessment; pupils can enter for a unit when they are ready to be assessed and can resit each unit individually.
· From summer 2012, all four units will be available in January and summer, and students will be able to take any of the four units in the first year of teaching. (There will be one unit available in 2011.)
This course offers opportunities to build on the skills and capabilities developed through the delivery of the Key Stage 3 curriculum in Northern Ireland,
· It helps facilitate the study of English and related subjects at a more advanced level, for example A and AS English Language, English Literature, and English Language and Literature, and advanced courses in Communication and Media.
The course allows pupilsthe opportunity to develop the application of skills to real-life contexts. These skills are embedded within this specification:
- engaging with and making fresh connections between ideas, texts, words and images;
- studying spoken and written language, exploring how language varies;
- expressing ideas and information clearly, precisely, accurately and appropriately in spoken and written communication; and
- forming independent views and challenging what is heard or read on the grounds of reason, evidence or argument.
The table below summarises the structure of this GCSE course.
Content |
Assessment | Weighting | Availability |
Unit 1:
Personal Writing
and Reading
Multi-Modal Texts |
External Examination
Foundation and Higher Tiers
1 hour 30 mins |
20% | Every Summer
(beginning in 2011)
Every January
(beginning in 2013) |
Unit 2:
Functional Writing
and Reading
Non-Fiction |
External Examination
Foundation and Higher Tiers
1 hour 30 mins |
20% | Every Summer
(beginning in 2012)
Every January
(beginning in 2013) |
Unit 3:
Speaking and
Listening |
Controlled assessment
CCEA gives guidance on
activities |
20% | Every Summer
(beginning in 2012)
Every January
(beginning in 2013 |
Unit 4:
Studying Spoken
and Written
Language and
Writing Creatively
Task 1 – The Study
of Spoken
Language
Task 2 – The Study
of Written
Language
Task 3 – Writing
Creatively |
Controlled assessment
CCEA sets the tasks each year |
40% |
Every Summer
(beginning in 2012)
Every January
(beginning in 2013) |
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