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