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.

Year 10 & Year 11

Paper 1 – ‘A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens’ and ‘Macbeth’ by William Shakespeare

Paper 2 – ‘An Inspector Calls’ by JB Priestley and ‘Power and Conflict’ from the AQA anthology