GCSE Language/Literature
I have taught GCSE Language and Literature for over three decades. I have taught specifications that have had 100% coursework, 50% coursework, zero coursework, closed book exams and open book exams. First the results were letter grades - now they’re numbers. However, the skill (and flair) needed to achieve top marks has stayed the same. I welcome the introduction of assessment objectives to define exactly what needs to be learned. It isn’t a slightly airy-fairy subject any more but is, instead, very much skills based - which suits my teaching.
AQA
I like the clarity of the AQA mark scheme.
Paper 1
Written exam - 1 hour 45 minutes
80 marks (50% of GCSE)
Reading: 40 marks (25%)
1 short form question (4 marks)
2 longer form questions (8 marks)
1 extended question (20 marks)
Writing : 40 marks (25%)
1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
Paper 2
Written exam - 1 hour 45 minutes
80 marks (50% of GCSE)
Reading 40 marks (25%) –
Two linked texts:
1 short form question ( 4 marks)
2 longer form questions ( 8 + 12 marks)
1 extended question (16 marks)
Writing (40 marks) (25%)
1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
Non - examination assessment
No marks assigned - assessed on a competency basis using agreed common criteria - students must demonstrate all of the criteria for a grade.
Presenting (AO7)
Responding to questions and feedback (AO8)
Use of Standard English (AO9)
Assessed by class teacher - externally moderated
Separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE)
Graded: Not Classified, Pass, Merit or Distinction
EdEXCEL
Paper 1
Written exam - 1 hour 45 minutes
64 marks (40% of GCSE)
Reading: 24 marks
Unseen 19th Century Fiction extract
2 short form questions (1 mark + 2 marks)
1 longer form question (6 marks)
1 extended question (15 marks)
Writing: 40 marks
Choice of two writing tasks (linked by a theme to the reading extract)
Paper 2
Written exam - 2 hours 5 minutes
96 marks (60% of GCSE)
Reading:
Questions on two thematically linked, unseen non-fiction extracts.
Writing:
A choice of two writing tasks. The tasks are linked by a theme to the reading extracts.
Non - examination assessment
Presenting (AO7)
Responding to questions and feedback (AO8)
Use of Standard English (AO9)
Assessed by class teacher - externally moderated
Separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE)
Graded: Not Classified, Pass, Merit or Distinction
CAMBRIDGE IGCSE
Option to replace a written exam with coursework.
Paper 1
Written exam - 2 hours
Reading: 80 marks (50% of GCSE)
80 marks
Structured and extended writing questions Questions will be based on three reading texts
Paper 2
Written exam - 2 hours
Writing: 80 marks (50% of GCSE)
80 marks
Extended writing question and a composition task
or to replace paper 2:
Component 3
Coursework Portfolio 50% 80 marks
Candidates submit a portfolio of three assignments, each of about 500–800 words. The assignments may be completed in any order, and are:
Assignment 1: writing to discuss, argue and/or persuade in response to a text or texts
Assignment 2: writing to describe
Assignment 3: writing to narrate.
Internally assessed and externally moderated
Optional:
Non - examination assessment
Approx. 10–12 minutes Speaking and Listening Test
40 marks Separately endorsed Individual Talk and Conversation
Assessed by class teacher - externally moderated