There are a variety of potential programmes of study in English at KS4:
- GCSE English Language
- GCSE English Literature
- Functional Skills English
- AQA Unit Award Scheme
Where appropriate, students may combine study across two programmes (e.g. GCSE Language and Functional Skills).
GCSE English Language
Edexcel Level 1 or Level 2 GCSE (9-1) – English Language (1ENO)
Component 1: Fiction and Imaginative Writing English Today (40% of the total GCSE)
- Section A – Reading: study and analyse selections from a range of prose fiction
- Section B – imaginative writing: explore and develop imaginative writing skills.
Component 2: Non-Fiction and Transactional Writing (60% of the total GCSE)
- Section A – Reading: study and analyse selections from a range of non-fiction texts (including literary non-fiction)
- Section B – Transactional writing: explore and develop transactional writing skills, for example, letters, articles, reports.
These components will be externally assessed at the end of the two year course.
Spoken language is still assessed but will appear on all students’ GCSE certificates as a separately reported grade alongside the overall grade issued. More information about this course can be accessed here
GCSE English Literature
Edexcel Level 1 or Level 2 GCSE (9-1) – English Language (1ETO)
Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature (50% of the total GCSE)
- Section A – Study and analyse a Shakespeare play, answering questions about an extract and themes throughout the whole play.
- Section B – Study and analyse a Post-194 play or novel, answering an essay style question.
Component 2: 19th Century Novel and Poetry since 1789 (50% of the total GCSE)
- Section A – Study and analyse a 19th Century novel, answering questions about an extract and exploring the whole text.
- Section B – Study a poetry anthology, answering questions comparing two poems within the anthology and one unseen poem.
These components will be externally assessed at the end of the two year course.
Edexcel Functional Skills English
Functional Skills English qualifications are designed to give learners the skills to operate confidently, effectively and independently in education, work and everyday life. They have been created in response to employers’ perceptions that many learners are not achieving a sufficiently firm grounding in the basics.
The qualifications range from entry level to level 2 (Level 1 and 2 are GCSE equivalent)
The aims of these qualifications are to develop learner understanding and skills in:
Level 2
- Speaking, Listening and Communication – make a range of contributions to discussions in a range of contexts, including those that are unfamiliar, and make effective presentations.
- Reading – select, read, understand and compare texts and use them to gather information, ideas, arguments and opinions.
- Writing – write a range of texts, including extended written documents communication information, ideas and opinions, effectively and persuasively.
Level 1
- Speaking, Listening and Communication – take full part in formal and informal discussions and exchanges that include unfamiliar subjects.
- Reading – read and understand a range of straightforward texts.
- Writing – write a range of texts to communicate information, ideas and opinions using formats and styles suitable for their purpose and audience.
Entry Level 3
- Speaking, Listening and Communication – respond appropriately to others and make some extended contributions in familiar formal and informal discussions and exchanges.
- Reading – Read and understand the purpose and content of straightforward texts that explain, inform and recount information.
- Writing – Write texts with some adaptation to the intended audience.
Entry Level 2
- Speaking, Listening and Communication – participate in discussions/exchanges about familiar topics making active contributions, with one or more people in familiar situations.
- Reading – Read and understand short, simple texts that explain or recount information.
- Writing – Write short texts with some awareness of the intended audience.
Entry Level 1
- Speaking, Listening and Communication – participate in and understand the main points of simple discussions/exchanges about familiar topics with another person in a familiar situation.
- Reading – Read and understand short, simple texts that explain or recount information.
- Writing – Write short, simple sentences.
AQA Unit Award Scheme
The AQA Unit Award Scheme enables students to complete coursework and engage in practical tasks at a level differentiated to meet their individual needs. It is a flexible program that offers learners the opportunity to have their achievements formally recognised across different subject areas with a certificate each time a short unit is successfully completed. The areas for English are reading, writing, speaking and listening.
KS4 English Long Term Plan
| CLASS |
Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
| US8 & US10 |
Entry Level Functional Skills Reading
AQA Unit Award Reading Units
What’s in the news? |
Entry Level Functional Skills Writing
AQA Unit Award Writing Units |
Entry Level Functional Skills Spoken Language
AQA Unit Award Communication Units
Research Project |
| US9 & US11 |
Entry Level Functional Skills Reading
What’s in the news? |
Level 1 or 2 Functional Skills Writing
Fiction Writing Topic |
Level 1 or 2 Functional Skills Spoken Language
Research Project |
| GCSE English Literature
US9 |
19th Century Novel – Frankenstein
Shakespeare Play – Macbeth |
Post 1914 Literature
An Inspector Calls
Unseen Poetry
Recap of Frankenstein & An Inspector Calls |
Exam Preparation |
| GCSE English Language
US9 & US11 |
Fiction Reading & Imaginative Writing
Non-Fiction Reading and Transactional Writing |
Fiction Reading & Imaginative Writing
Non-Fiction Reading & Transactional Writing |
Spoken Language Formal Discussion
Poetry Anthology Relationships
Exam Preparation |
