English Language GCSE Course Outline
Advanced Level 2
Awarding Body: WJEC Eduqas
Study GCSE English
GCSE English Language is a course that enables students to re-take and improve upon their English grade if they were not able, for whatever reason, to obtain a Grade 4 previously.
At St Charles we offer an opportunity to take this course in just one year. It will however, it will require a considerable amount of work and commitment. The aim is to achieve a Grade 4 or above in English Language in order to progress onto other courses and/or into employment.
GCSE English Language is not only a requirement for further study and job opportunities, but it also provides you with many rewarding analytical and language skills that will be useful throughout life.
Generally, students who have achieved a Grade 2 or 3 in GCSE English or GCSE English Language will be eligible for this course. Students should demonstrate a real desire to improve on their previous performance. The ability to write good, clear English and express themselves effectively to a variety of audiences is essential.
Students are encouraged to engage in wider reading which includes the reading of novels, poetry, broadsheet journalism, autobiographies etc. The aim is to encourage analytical thinking and stimulate creativity, all of which is necessary for your exam. GCSE English Language is an intensive and demanding course and you are expected to maintain excellent levels of attendance and punctuality to ensure progression.
Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas
You will be required to study three components. Component 1 is exam assessed and worth 40% of your overall mark. Component 2 is exam assessed and worth 60% of your overall mark. Component 3 is the Spoken Language assessment and this will be evaluated by your teacher in class and is unweighted.
Component 1: 20th Century Literature Reading and Creative Prose Writing
Component 2: 19th and 21st Century Non-Fiction Reading and Transactional/Persuasive Writing
Component 3: Spoken Language - Speaking & Listening
You will be required to show your learning and development through preparation for the exam which will take place at the end of the year.
You will be guided and assessed by your teacher throughout the year. There will be scheduled mock exams to test your understanding.
The exam will require you to read and understand 20th century prose writing and non-fiction texts from the 19th and 21st century. You will be asked to identify the writers’ crafts and transfer these skills into your own writing for a range of genres, audiences and purposes.
You will also be assessed for Component 3 Spoken Language through speaking and listening tasks which will take the form of presentations and discussions.
Level 4 in GCSE English Language is required for most types of employment and courses at university. However, some universities may require a Level 5 or above in GCSE English Language. It is also an important qualification for progression in vocational and other courses at the college.
GCSE English Language opens many doors that can lead to jobs directly related to the subject such as:
Journalism
Law
Teaching
Careers in many other fields
“It’s a busy course with a lot to do, but the teachers here really support you to help you achieve the grade you need.”
“I came here from outside the UK and was able to get my GCSE English C grade in one year at St Charles.”
“Finally getting that C grade meant that I could apply for a wider range of university courses.”
There is the opportunity for those students who show a strong commitment to the course to attend revision sessions within the college and external revision conferences when available.
Your teachers on GCSE English Language will be:
- Ms Redmond (MRE)
- Ms Morgillo (CMO)
- Ms Chilton (ACI)
- Mr Eakin (WEA)
- Mr Cribben (BCR)
- Ms Simoes (ISI)
- Ms McHugh (MMC)
All your teachers have relevant higher education qualifications.
