English at Key Stage 4

English at Key Stage 4

We currently follow the AQA syllabus for both English Language and English Literature.  Students sit both exams as both subjects are considered equally important in developing students’ English skills.   Since we moved to AQA the English department results have increased significantly for both subjects and we now regularly achieve grade 9s in both subjects.

Information below for the AQA exam:

English Language

Paper 1:  Explorations in creative reading and writing

This paper is one hour 45 minutes.  It represents 50% of their final total.

Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives.

This paper is one hour 45 minutes.  It represents 50% of their final total.

32 marks for English Language are allocated to spelling, grammar and punctuation.

English Literature

 Paper 1:   19^th Century novel and Shakespeare

 This paper is one hour 45 minutes and represents 40% of their final total

 Paper 2:  Modern texts and Poetry

 This paper is one hour 45 minutes and represents 60% of their final total.

Eight of the marks for English Literature are allocated to spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Text choices for English Literature are below. We ask that students buy their own copies, and related study guides.  This is so that they can then write in them as they are studied in class and at home.

Please note: the Shakespeare text is different for years 10 and year 11.  After 2023-24 all students will do Macbeth as their Shakespeare text.