There are a variety of potential programmes of study in English at KS4:
- GCSE English Language and English Literature
- GCSE English Language
- 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
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 1 Autumn 2 |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
| Year 10
US5 |
Entry Level Functional Skills Reading
What’s in the news? |
Entry Level Functional Skills Spoken Language
Research project & presentation |
Entry Level Functional Skills Writing |
| Year 10
US6 |
Level 1 or 2 Functional Skills Reading
Novel – Of Mice and Men |
Level 1 or 2 Functional Skills Spoken Language
Research project & presentation |
Level 1 or 2 Functional Skills Writing
Play – An Inspector Calls |
| Year 11
US8 |
Entry Level Functional Skills Reading
Novel – Goodnight Mr Tom |
Entry Level Functional Skill Spoken Language
Research project & presentation |
Entry Level Functional Skills Writing
Anne Frank’s Diary |
| Year 11
US9 |
Level 1 or 2 Functional Skills Reading
What’s in the news? |
Level 1 or 2 Functional Skill Spoken Language
Research project |
Level 1 or 2 Functional Skills Writing |
