“Valuing Learning,
Valuing Each Other”

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Email: office@driffield.e-riding.sch.uk

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English and English Literature GCSE Courses

Candidates will be studying two courses and will achieve two GCSEs.

English students

The course comprises of the study of six texts over two years. Three will be published before 1914 and three after. (See below). These will form the core of the students’ learning and enable them to develop all of the essential skills for English study. Coursework assignments will be written on three of the texts: Shakespeare, Pre 1914 Prose and Modern Poetry with the three remaining texts being studied for the literature examination.

English Literature Requirements: the study of six texts

Three published before 1914

  • Drama (Shakespeare)
  • Poetry (Best Words)
  • Prose (Short stories or novel)

Three published after 1914

  • Drama (An Inspector Calls)
  • Poetry (Modern poets)
  • Prose (Of Mice and Men)

Method of Assessment

Coursework requirements English - 4 essays 20%

  • Personal Writing – explore, imagine, entertain
  • Personal Writing – inform, explain, describe
  • Shakespeare
  • Prose Text

    Coursework requirements Literature - 3 essays 30%

    • Shakespeare
    • Prose: either pre or post 1914
    • Poetry: either pre or post 1914

    Speaking and Listening Coursework requirements - English: 3 assignments 20%

    One assignment for each of the following categories:

    • Extended Individual Contribution
    • Group Discussion
    • Drama-focused Activity

    Exam Requirement English: 60%

    • Paper 1: 1 hour 40 minutes
      Pre-release booklet: questions on media and non-fiction texts.
      Written response to: argue, persuade, advise
    • Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes
      Pre-release booklet: one question on pre-release and unseen poetry from other cultures.
      Written response to: analyse, review, comment.

    Exam requirements Literature: 70%

    One paper: 2 hours 15 minutes.
    Answering questions on three prescribed texts previously studied in class.

    • Drama: An Inspector Calls
    • Prose: Of Mice and Men
    • Poetry: Best Words
    • Best Words Examination Poetry:
      1. To Autumn – Keats
      2. First Love – Clare
      3. My Last Duchess – Browning
      4. To His Coy Mistress – Marvell
      5. Shall I compare thee? – Shakespeare
      6. Ballad – Anon
      7. To a Mouse - Burns
      8. The Flea – Donne
      9. Let me not – Shakespeare
      10. Amen – Rossetti
      11. Porphyria’s Lover – Browning
      12. La Belle Dame Sans Merci – Keats

    Future Opportunities

    Many students do go on to study English or English Literature at A level because of the enthusiasm they have developed for the subject at GCSE. However, the skills they learn, including: communication, analytical thinking, teamwork and discussion can all be transferred to many other subjects.

    Further Information

    At the end of the course students will gain two separate GCSE qualifications: one in English and one in English  Literature.

    I just wanted the opportunity to thank you and all your staff for making our daughter’s first year at Driffield School such a successful and enjoyable experience. Since starting last September we have been impressed by the feedback from your staff in way of letters, postcards, praise and encouragement for our daughter. it is very much appreciated.

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    In this increasingly effective school, standards are rising and have been consistently above average for the last three years.

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    Parents speak well of the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff. They appreciate the way in which students are welcomed into the school and give a chance to reach their full potential.

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    This is a very successful Sixth Form. Results for AS/A2 and AVCE examinations are well above average, maintaining a consistently positive trend. Students overall achievement and progress in the Sixth Form are very good; many achieve well beyond expectation.

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    Teaching is lively and challenging, and foster students’ responsibility and independent learning and results in very positive attitudes.

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    Teaching and learning are good overall, with a high proportion of outstanding lessons.

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