English Language and English Literature or English GCSE

1. English Language and English Literature or English GCSE Essential Information

2. New Specification with Edexcel • Two routes to success • English • English Language and English Literature • No coursework – controlled assessment with one opportunity to re-sit each task • Modular examinations (June and January) – with one opportunity to re-sit

3. English Three units over two years ……………………………………. One GCSE grade • Unit One:English Today – Reading and Writing Non-fiction and Media texts. Two Controlled Assessments • Unit Two:The Writer’s Craft – Two hour exam, one prose text and one Shakespeare text • Unit Three:Creative Responses – Poetry Anthology and imaginative writing. Two Controlled Assessments

4. English Language and English Literature Two separate qualifications over two years ……………………………… Modular exams taken in January or June ………………………………. Controlled Assessments

5. English Language • Unit One:English Today. Reading and Writing non-fiction and media texts. Two Controlled Assessments w/c October 11th 2010 and w/c November 15th 2010. • Unit Two:The Writer’s Voice. Different cultures prose text and writing for a specific audience. One 1hr 45 minute examination. • Unit Three:Spoken Language Study. Analysing spoken language, writing speeches or dialogue, speaking and listening tasks. Controlled Assessment in Year 11.

6. English Literature • Unit One:Understanding Prose. Study two prose texts (Different Cultures and Literary Heritage) for 1 hr 45 minute examination. • Unit Two:Understanding Poetry using Poetry Anthology provided by Edexcel. Assessed in 1hr 45 minute examination. • Unit Three: Shakespeare and Contemporary Drama. Two Controlled Assessment tasks completed in Year 11

7. How you can help… Recommended websites • BBC Bitesize Other ideas • Talk to your child about their work • Ask them to read homework to you • Visit the theatre, if possible