KS4 Pathways

Key features of the new English GCSEs
In the new English qualifications, students will undertake an increased number
of extended writing tasks and assessment will be entirely by external
examination at the end of Year 11. There will no longer be any controlled
assessment or coursework tasks and therefore students will be expected to
demonstrate their full ability and potential in the end of Year 11 exams.
Students will be supported to develop their exam technique and improve the
standard of their spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG). Parents can
provide essential support at home by making sure that students
understand the importance of writing in full sentences, spelling words
correctly, revising for examinations and reading on a regular basis.
GCSE English Language
Students will be expected to read a wider range of texts, however, they will not
be required to study specific texts for this qualification. There will be an
increased focus on the accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar
(SPaG) and students’ ability to write clearly and accurately, in good standard
English.
Structure and assessment:
• Assessed by external exam only at the end of Year 11.
• Un-tiered exam papers only.
• 20% of the marks for the GCSE English Language written exams will be
allocated for accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG).
• Speaking skills will continue to be assessed but will not contribute to the
overall grade.
GCSE English Literature
English literature will focus on four areas of ‘classic literature’ and there will be
a requirement to respond to unseen texts in the examination. Students will be
required to study a range of high quality, intellectually challenging and
substantial texts including: at least one Shakespeare play, one nineteenthcentury
novel, a selection of poetry since 1789 including representative
Romantic poetry, and fiction or drama from the British Isles from 1914
onwards.
Structure and assessment:
• Assessed by external exam only at the end of Year 11.
• Un-tiered exam papers only.
• 5% of the marks will be allocated for accurate spelling, punctuation and
grammar (SPaG).
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