English GCSE
All pupils study English and English Literature at KS4. Skills in English and English Literature are assessed in terms of Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing, so you will be offered a breadth of experiences in these areas to enable you to develop these essential skills throughout Years 10 and 11.
You will be helped to develop your spoken and written English and you will be encouraged to read widely.
GCSE English
- 4 pieces of coursework 20%
- Speaking and listening 20%
- 2 x 2 hr examinations 60%
GCSE English Literature
- 4 pieces of coursework 30%
- 1 x 2½ hr. examination 70%
Novels, plays, poems and short stories will be studied for coursework. Some of this literature is pre 1914. You will study a play and a novel in depth for your literature exam and a whole range of interesting, challenging texts for your language study.
Most successful GCSE pupils will receive two separate awards; one for English and one for English Literature.
English is a core subject, studied by all students in Key Stage 4. If you have any questions about this fascinating, vital subject, see Mr. Thomas, Head of English.
GCSE Media Studies
Pupils will study a range of Media: television, newspapers, magazines, film, radio, and advertising. As students develop a greater understanding of the media and its powerful role in our society, they will learn how to question and critically analyse a range of media texts.
On this GCSE course, pupils will study:
- Print-based and audio-visual media texts.
- The functions, structures and changes in Media industries.
- The language of the media.
- Audience uses of the media and media effects theories.
The 50% coursework element allows pupils to demonstrate their knowledge of specific areas of the media in 3 projects. Here, pupils have the opportunity to demonstrate their creative skills in their pre-production and practical production projects (e.g. production of an advertising campaign, scriptwriting, storyboarding). Evaluation and self-assessment form an integral part of the GCSE coursework.
This subject complements a range of subjects including: English, Art, I.T. and Drama.