1. Preparing for GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature (2 separate qualifications) Parental Information Evening

2. Exam dates: English Literature (WJEC) paper one: – Monday, 18 th May 2015 English Literature (WJEC) paper two: – Friday, 22 nd May 2015 English Language (iGCSE) exam: – Tuesday, 5 th May 2015

3. English Language: iGCSE 40% Coursework 20% Speaking and Listening 40% Exam (2 hours)

4. Coursework: 40% of final English Language grade 3 genres: Descriptive/Narrative Argue/Inform/Persuade Responding to a text For each genre, students complete two pieces of writing. They receive individual grades for each piece. The best piece from each genre goes forward to a create a ‘best pieces’ folder which is awarded an overall grade based on the quality of the whole folder. 40% of GCSE Language

5. Speaking and Listening 20% of final English Language grade 3 separate tasks: – Group – completed in the classroom with the class teacher. – Individual and Paired – completed under exam conditions. Recorded in a room with only the teacher, Student A for the Individual and Student A and B for the Paired. – Students receive marks for quality of speaking and responding to what their partner says.

6. English Language iGCSE exam 40% of final grade Two texts, these could be either fiction or non- fiction. – May include: fact-sheets, leaflets, letters, extracts from autobiographies, biographies, diaries, reports, articles and digital and multi-modal texts of various kinds from newspapers and magazines, brochures and the internet or an extract from a novel Answer all three questions – Q1 worth 20 marks – Q2 worth 10 marks – Q3 worth 20 marks

7. What is required? Question one: After reading extract A, students assume a persona from the text and complete a piece of writing in the style of that person. They will have to write to meet a specific GAP (Genre, Audience, Purpose). They have to show knowledge of the text without using words from the text, show meaning without copying. This question often asks for specific areas to be focused on.

8. What is required? Question two: again using extract A, students have to identify language and analyse it. This skill is called P.E.A. Point, Evidence, Analyse. Marks are awarded for choice of words selected and analysis of effects created.

9. What Is Required? Question three: This question requires both extract A and B to be read. Students then have to write a summary alluding to points raised in the articles. Marks are again awarded for reference to points and quality of writing.

10. English Language How can you help? Read newspaper articles together – Ask your child to identify the GAP (Genre, Audience and Purpose) – Ask questions about the writer’s attitude and ideas – Identify language and presentational devices that are used within the text and discuss their possible effect. (simile, exaggeration, fact, opinion, rhetorical questions, bullet points, subheadings, alliteration, triples etc.) Ask them to become the reporter and write about the interview keeping the message, but constructing it in their own words. Practice writing about an article for 10 minutes- are ideas developed, linked to the text and supported by evidence? BBC Bitesize Website

11. English Literature WJEC 25% Controlled Assessment 75% Exam: Two, two hour papers Controlled assessment: comparing poems to Romeo and Juliet. Completed in exam conditions in the classroom. Y11 will start this after half term.

12. English Literature Paper 1: ‘Of Mice and Men’, and Unseen Poetry Two sections (1 hour should be spent on each section) Section 1 – Of Mice and Men (different cultures text). – One extract question (20 minutes) P.E.A – One theme or character question (40 minutes) Essay with quotes Section 2 – Unseen contemporary poetry – Students will be provided with two poems that explore a common theme. – Students will be expected to write a comparative essay exploring both poems and their response to them.

13. English Literature Paper 1: ‘Of Mice and Men’, and Unseen Poetry How can you help? Make sure your child understands the story ‘Of Mice and Men’, including main characters and themes – Test knowledge of Context, Language, Analysis, Structure and Subtext (CLASS) – Learn key quotations- they will not have the book in the exam! – Use Spark Notes to help develop revision cards, reread the story, watch the film. ASK QUESTIONS! Your child will need to be confident in their ability to identify and comment on poetic techniques – Choose poems from the internet and test analysis skills – Help develop knowledge of Repetition, Alliteration, Metaphor, Personification, Simile, Onomatopoeia, Oxymoron, Caesura, Enjambment, Juxtaposition, Stanza and Rhyme structure and their effect. Ask them to explain why they like specific phrases.

14. English Literature Paper 2: Drama and Prose texts Two sections on two different texts – Your child will have studied two of the following texts: ‘Lord of the Flies’, ‘A View from the Bridge’, ‘The History Boys’, or ‘A Christmas Carol’ – One hour on each section Section 1 – Contemporary Drama – ‘Blood Brothers’, ‘A View from the Bridge’, ‘The History Boys’ – One extract question (20 minutes) P.E. A. – One theme or character question (40 minutes) Essay with quotes Section 2 – Literary Heritage Prose – ‘Lord of the Flies’, ‘A Christmas Carol’ – One extract question(20 minutes) P.E. A. – One theme or character question (40 minutes) Essay with quotes

15. English Literature Paper 2: Drama and Prose texts Make sure your child understands the two texts they have studied, including main characters and themes – Test knowledge of Context, Language, Analysis, Structure and Subtext (CLASS) – Use Spark Notes to help develop revision cards, reread the story, watch the film. ASK QUESTIONS! – Ask them to timeline key events from the text. – Practise planning answers to questions about characters, themes or page from the book. – Students will need to learn key quotations from all characters- they will NOT have the book in the exam! – Encourage students to attend revision sessions – a list of sessions will be published. – If your child misses school for any reason, they must talk to their class teacher and catch up.

16. Websites BBC Bitesize – http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/ – http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/ BBC Skillswise – http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/english http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/english Sparknotes: Lord of the Flies – http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/flies/ http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/flies/ Sparknotes: A View from the Bridge – http://www.sparknotes.com/drama/viewbridge/ http://www.sparknotes.com/drama/viewbridge/ Sparknotes: A Christmas Carol – http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/christmascarol/ http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/christmascarol/ Sparknotes: Of Mice and Men – http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/micemen/ http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/micemen/ BBC Bitesize: The History Boys – http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/dramahisto ryboys/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/dramahisto ryboys/ BBC Bitesize: WJEC Poetry (scroll to the bottom of the page) – http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/