GCSE English Language (Level 2 Academic & Vocational Pathway)

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE VIEW @ EAST STREET FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 APPLICATIONS*

Applications open: 1 November 2023

Applications close: 13 June 2024

How to apply: Please apply via KentChoices

LATE APPLICATIONS: Applications via Kent Choices are now closed, please contact us directly on 01732 778897 or email tv-es@hillview.kent.sch.uk.

This course can only be selected as part of the Academic & Vocational Pathway.

This course aims to develop critical readers and eloquent writers, who can demonstrate a confident and accurate control of the English language in both written and spoken forms.

The specification covers two areas of English Language: Fiction and Non-Fiction texts. There are two exams which have equally weighted Section A: Reading and Section B: Writing parts. The reading papers use texts as source material for comprehension, language and structural analysis and personal response. The writing task is often in response to the reading material.

There is an added Spoken Component which requires students to take part in a spoken presentation. If students have completed this at a previous school, the grade can be rolled-forward.

Course Delivery

A baseline assessment is completed by using part of a past paper to generate a diagnostic which identifies areas of development in the learner’s skills, enabling the learning to be tailored to ensure these are addressed in a more personalised approach.

Units of work include the teaching of skills required in the exams in a very structured and methodical way, using regular practice questions and self-assessment. Each unit is completed with a second assessment to track progress and identify any final areas that need addressing in term 5 before the exams. Lessons are broken down into chunked activities with a clear and logical progression. Questioning is used to scaffold activities but also stretch those requiring challenge, particularly to apply higher order thinking skills such as evaluation and creative thinking.

Paper 1 - Fiction

Section A: Reading - one literature fiction text with four questions.

Section B: Writing - descriptive or narrative writing

Paper 2 – Non-Fiction

Section A: Reading – two non-fiction texts from different centuries with four questions.

Section B: Writing - writing to present a viewpoint

Spoken Component – A recorded presentation, speech or interview on a chosen topic.

100% Examination.

The exam will incorporate all grades 1-9.

There are no previous learning requirements. Candidates are not required to have taken any particular qualifications before taking this course

English Language is a requirement for progressions to a wide range of courses at Level 3. Subject specific progression includes Media Studies, Film Studies, Theatre Studies and Drama.