English Language GCSE English Literature GCSE An overview

English Language GCSE English Literature GCSE Ø An overview of the exams, their requirements, and how to support students in revision

Your child is studying for two separate They will receive one qualification and grade for qualifications Language, and one qualification and grade for Literature. Their performance in one has zero direct impact on the other. In total, to cover both Language and Literature, your child will sit four exams: two for Language, two for Literature.

The requirements of the English GCSE exams Ø Exactly what skills do the exams require students to use?

Reading comprehension: P. E. E. (Point, Evidence, Explain): arguments Comparison: reading texts and showing clear understanding in writing using quotations to support interpretations and discussing and analysing texts in relation to one another Subject and textual knowledge: knowing plots, poems, characters, contexts, and terminology Creative and accurate writing: and produce formal, engaging, technically accurate fiction

English Language = two exams Paper One – fiction (1 hr 45 mins) (five questions, 80 marks available) Ø Q 1 – information retrieval Ø Q 2 – P. E. E. response to language (4 marks available (8 marks available) Ø Q 3 – P. E. E. response to structure available) (8 marks

English Language = two exams Paper Two (non-fiction) – 1 hr 45 mins (five questions, 80 marks available) Ø Q 1 – information retrieval (tick box) (4 marks available) Ø Q 2 – comparative summary (8 marks available) Ø Q 3 – P. E. E. response to language (12 marks

English Literature = two exams Paper One – 1 hr 45 mins (two questions, 64 marks available) Ø Q 1 – Macbeth question (34 marks available) Ø Q 2 – A Christmas Carol question available) (30 marks

English Literature = two exams Paper Two – 2 hrs 15 mins (four questions, 96 marks available) Ø Q 1 – An Inspector Calls question (34 marks available) Ø Q 2 – Poetry – Power and Conflict AQA anthology (30 marks available) Ø Q 3 – Poetry – unseen single (24 marks

Revision approaches that students can use for English Ø What can my child do to give them the best chance of success?

Reading comprehension: Read as much as possible, summarising what has been read, giving opinions on it, and thinking about the use of language in the text. P. E. E. (Point, Evidence, Explain): Practise writing P. E. E. paragraphs in response to course texts and new texts. Consider the effects of key words and how they impact the reader. Subject and textual knowledge: Re-read the course texts. Re-read the poems. Use online study guides (Spark. Notes, Shmoop, BBC Bitesize etc). Learn to identify and use word classes (noun, verb, adjective, adverb etc) and language devices (simile, metaphor, oxymoron etc). Comparison: Link this with P. E. E. practice to compare two texts. Compare based on ideas, the use of language and language devices, or the writers’ perspectives. Or simply summarise the similarities and differences between two texts. Practise the use of use connectives such as ‘however, ’ similarly’, ‘on the other hand’, likewise etc to link ideas. Creative writing: Practise writing in various forms and for various purposes: articles, letters, speeches, stories, descriptions based on pictures. Persuade, argue, inform, entertain etc. Spelling and

The role of parents/carers in the revision process Ø What can I do directly to give my child the best chance of success?

Ask questions: Quiz your child about something they’ve read and about the course texts. Characters? Plot? Context? Their opinions on what the writers are trying to show the reader? Your house as a revision tool: Post-It notes with key information on them dotted around the house: on the fridge, on the TV, and most certainly on and around the Xbox. Critical/argumentative thinking. Get them talking! Start with conversations around the dinner table… and talking: Technology: Companionship: Scheduling: The internet is full of useful material. There also numerous revision apps for smartphones and tablets, including quizzes. A quick Google search will reveal a wealth of material. Y 11 students at this school are all studying the same English texts and sitting the same English exams. Encouraging your child to revise with a well-chosen partner can make revision more productive and enjoyable. Many students will benefit from a simple but structured revision plan. ‘Monday = 45 mins of poetry’, Tuesday = ’ 60 mins creative writing’ etc.

Questions Ø Is there anything you’d like to ask? If so, please feel free!