The MVC English Department (2011)
Year 10 information for parents
This year’s GCSE results:
76% of students achieved an A*-C in English Language.
77% of students achieved an A*- C in English Literature.
37% of students achieved A*-A in English Language.
The present Yr 11 Literature results, for their first examination module taken last June, were very encouraging – 86% A*-C, 79% A*-B and 51% A*-A!
The new GCSE courses
We teach the WJEC English Language and English Literature GCSE courses. The majority of students study for both and therefore achieve two English subject GCSEs.
The English Language course
One 2 hour examination taken in June 2013 (40%)
Unit 1 – Students read 2 or 3 non-fiction/media texts and answer a set of questions on the way they use language for effect. (1 hr 20%)
Unit 2 – Students write two non-fiction texts such as a letter, report, article, review, leaflet, speech. (1 hr 20%)
Controlled Assessments completed Nov/Dec 2011
Creative writing - Students complete a piece of descriptive writing and a piece of narrative (story) writing. They are given a list of titles/situations to choose from. (2 hrs 15%)
Controlled Assessment completed Feb 2012
‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck - Students complete an essay on this novel. (2 hrs 15%)
Controlled Assessment completed June/July 2012
Studying spoken language - Students write an essay analysing two speech transcripts.
(2 hrs 10%)
Students are also assessed in a variety of Speaking and Listening activities throughout KS4 which will include individual presentation, group discussion and role play. (20%)
The English Literature Course
Two examinations – both 2 hours
Examination taken in June 2012
‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck - Students complete essay questions that involve them looking closely at the language, character, historical context and themes.
Unseen contemporary poetry comparison - Students analyse and compare two poems they have not seen before. (35%)
Examination taken in June 2013
Heritage Drama – Students complete essay questions on the play ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley.
Contemporary Fiction – Students complete essay questions on either the novel ‘About a Boy’ or the novel ‘Heroes’. (40%)
Controlled Assessment Oct/Nov 2011
Students write an essay comparing the way language is used to express love in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and some poetry (4 hrs 25%). The students are already studying for this and the controlled assessment will take place close to half-term.
How to help your child succeed in English
Make sure your child completes any homework set. All homework at KS4 is directly linked to the GCSE courses and therefore intended to help them achieve the highest grades possible.
Be aware of when particular Controlled Assessments will be completed. Attendance will be particularly important around these times.
Be aware of any trips organised by the English Department linked to the curriculum. We are always looking for opportunities to support the students’ learning. For example the present Year 11s visited Cambridge Railway Station and local playgrounds as preparation for their creative writing. They are also going to the Arts Theatre to see ‘An Inspector Calls’ in October. We will inform parents about trips in letters home and in the school’s bulletin.
It could be useful if your child had their own copy of the following texts:
‘Of Mice and Men’
‘An Inspector Calls’ (for Yr 11).
We will provide the students with our own ‘in-house’ revision guides throughout the course tailored to support the students in all areas of assessment.
Encourage your child to read media texts such as newspapers and magazines and fiction such as novels, short stories and poetry.
For any enquiries about the English GCSE courses contact Nina Bailey at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "