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Why do you have to study English?

All students must study English, as this is a mandatory part of the curriculum. Students who do not pass English must re-sit the exam after they leave secondary school.

English Language and Literature test a student’s ability to read, write and speak effectively. To be successful, students will need to be able to read a range of texts, understand what a text means and how the writer has used different methods to communicate their message. Additionally, students will need to write clearly and creatively, using a range of punctuation. Students are assessed on spelling, grammar and their use of vocabulary.

There are many career pathways that English can take you. This ranges from advertising and marketing, education, law, art and design as well as publishing and media.

How will I be examined?

English GCSEs, each made up of two papers:

English Language Paper 1: Exploration in Creative Reading and Writing - 1hr 45mins exam worth 50% of the total Language mark
English Language Paper 2:
Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives - 1hr 45mins exam worth 50% of the total Language mark
English Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel - 1hr 45min exam worth 40% of the total Literature mark (Macbeth and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde)
English Literature Paper 2:
Modern Texts and Poetry - 2hr 15min exam worth 60% of the total Literature mark (An Inspector Calls, Conflict and Power Poetry and unseen poetry).