GCSE English Language Specification Specification (version 1.4)

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GCSE English Language for teaching from September 2010 onwards (version 1.4)Subject Content8 Summary of Subject Content1bWhy choose GCSE English Language?This specification allows candidates todemonstrate their ability in functional English;to investigate and analyse language; and, toexperiment and use language creatively.The specification offers a skills-basedapproach to the study of English. This enablescandidates to make ‘fresh’ and individualresponses to each element of assessment.The specification is most suitable for thosewho wish to explore English Language in moredepth, and (in combination with EnglishLiterature) experience greater breadth ofEnglish studies at this level.The scheme of assessment is unitised, offeringflexibility. This enables centres to take variedroutes in preparing candidates for assessment.Candidates can be entered when they areready to be assessed and may re-sit eachindividual unit.The examination paper and controlledassessments will be available twice a year.Exam papers will be available at Higher andFoundation Tiers, giving access to the coursefor candidates of all abilities.The externally examined unit is common toGCSE English. This gives teachers theflexibility to make late entry decisions wherethey may choose to enter candidates for eitherGCSE English (1 GCSE) or GCSE EnglishLanguage plus GCSE English Literature (2GCSEs).The specification covers the functionalelements of English. This is done mainlythrough the externally examined unit. The term‘functional’ should be considered in the broadsense of providing learners with the skills andabilities they need to take an active andresponsible role in their communities, in theireveryday lives, workplaces and educationalsettings.Speaking and Listening is internally assessedand is common to GCSE English and GCSEEnglish Language. This unit draws on thegood practice observed during the previousspecification and allows teachers to set tasksthat are relevant to their students. Candidatesneed to exhibit their ability to speak and listenin functional contexts which require them todiscuss and present. They also need todemonstrate their ability to role play in eitherfunctional or dramatic situations. This unit is anexcellent preparation for life beyond theclassroom.Extended reading in this specification isassessed through Controlled Assessment.Candidates may use a text they are studyingas part of GCSE English Literature or may usean additional text, including the possibility ofstudying a non-fiction text. Tasks will beselected from a bank of questions thatencourage the candidate to choose their ownaspect of study and develop a personalresponse.Creative writing is also assessed throughControlled Assessment. Drawing on the‘creative’ agenda in the National CurriculumProgramme of Study, candidates will beencouraged to be imaginative and toexperiment with language to create writing thatgoes beyond the ‘real life’ contexts of thewriting in the external unit.This specification introduces the ‘spokenlanguage study’ to Controlled Assessment.This is an investigative approach to the wayoral communication works and offers clearprogression to GCE English Language.This specification offers excellent preparationfor GCE English Language specifications.The specification has been developed inconsultation with practising teachers andsubject associations.13
GCSE English Language for teaching from September 2010 onwards (version 1.4)1cHow do I start using this specification?1To ensure you receive all the teaching andexamination material, it is important that the personresponsible for making the decision to teach AQAinforms both AQA and their Exam Officer.Step one:To confirm you will be teaching this specification gotowww.aqa.org.uk/signup and complete the onlineform. You will then receive your free GCSE EnglishLanguage welcome pack(s) that contain teaching andsupport material.Step two:Inform your Exam Officer of your choiceto ensure you receive all your examination material.Your Exam Officer will make sure that your centre isregistered with AQA and will complete the Intention toEnter and Estimated Entries when requiredto do so.If your centre has not used AQA for any examinationsin the past, please contact our centre approval teamat centreapproval@aqa.org.uk.1dHow can I find out more?You can choose to find out more about thisspecification or the services that AQA offers in anumber of ways.Ask AQAYou have 24-hour access to useful information andanswers to the most commonly asked questions atwww.aqa.org.uk/askaqaIf the answer to your question is not available, youcan submit a query through Ask AQA for our team.We will respond within two working days.Speak to your subject teamYou can talk directly to the GCSE English Languagesubject team about this specification either bye-mailing english-gcse@aqa.org.uk or by calling0161 953 1180.Teacher Support MeetingsDetails of the full range of our Teacher Supportmeetings are available on our website atwww.aqa.org.uk/support/teachers.php.There is also a link to our fast and convenient onlinebooking system for Teacher Support meetings atevents.aqa.org.uk/ebookingIf you need to contact the Teacher Support team, youcan call us on 01483 477860 or e-mail us atteachersupport@aqa.org.ukLatest information onlineYou can find out more including the latest news, howto register to use Enhanced Results Analysis, supportand downloadable resources on our website atwww.aqa.org.uk4
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GCSE English Language Specification Specification (version 1.4)

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