SUBJECT AIM
In IGCSE English language we aim to develop students’ communication skills across the disciplines of reading, writing and spoken language. Through the topics and tasks completed over the two-year course, students are also exposed to a range of perspectives, viewpoints and text types which support them in building their empathy and imagination skills. By the end of their two years of study students’ English skills and critical skills are well prepared to support them as they progress into post-16 education and beyond.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
Over the two years of the course, students study in preparation for an examination paper and for two pieces of coursework. The exam paper requires students to read an anthology of contemporary non-fiction texts which comprises of a range of text types presenting opinions, experiences and locations from across the world. Students learn how to analyse the construction of these texts and write in a similar style. For coursework, students refine their creative writing skills as well as explore the way in which language creates impact in a collection of poetry.
HOW WILL YOU BE ASSESSED
Students complete two pieces of coursework in Year 10, each piece is worth 20% of their final grade. In order to best prepare for their coursework student may submit one draft to their teacher and receive feedback before completing and submitting a final draft. The creative writing coursework should be 800-1000 words and the poetry coursework should be 1100 – 1400 words. As this is a linear GCSE course, students will also sit an examination paper at the end of Year 11. This paper is worth 60% of their final grade. Within the paper half of the marks are awarded for their successful analysis of the anthology texts; the other half of the marks are awarded for the ability to complete an extended transactional writing task.
WHAT THIS SUBJECT CAN LEAD TO
- Journalism, translation, digital copywriting, teaching, linguistics, proof-reader, editorial writer