Subject Title:
English/English Literature/ALAN

Lead Teacher: Mr P Walker

Examining Body: OCR

Level: GCSE

Why should I study this subject?
Students studying English will develop important literacy skills in reading, writing and speaking.
These vital skills will enable students to function effectively in a range of contexts. They will improve their ability to communicate in a variety of situations, ranging from job interviews to writing letters. As their expertise develops in these key areas of literacy students’ personal confidence will improve, which will help them to perform to their maximum across a range of circumstances and situations.

What use will a qualification in this subject be to me when I leave school?
Students may choose to go on to study AS level, which might lead to university and then a professional career. On the other hand, most employers require their employees to have a good level of literacy. Equally, the level of linguistic information that is prolific across the media demands a good level of reading and writing literacy to access important information.

How will this subject be taught and what will be expected from me?
This subject is taught formally because the subject matter is challenging. However, a range of teaching and learning strategies are used to enable curriculum access for all students. Also, the ALAN alternative that has been introduced will offer a qualification that can be accessed through the internet on-line. Students will be expected to complete classwork and to hand in homework on time. However, deadlines can be negotiated. Students will also be expected to bring a pen to class.

How will the work be marked and assessed?

English: 1900
This GCSE involves 40% coursework which is assessed internally to nationally agreed criteria. 20% of the course is assessed through discursive and comparative written work. The outstanding 20% is assessed through oral responses. 60% of the GCSE is assessed in final examination and it is then assessed externally by OCR.
English Literature: 1901
This GCSE involves 30% coursework which is assessed internally to nationally agreed criteria.
The remaining 70% of the GCSE is completed in final examination and is then assessed externally by OCR.

Both of these examinations offer foundation and higher levels.

ALAN (Adult Literacy and Numeracy)
This qualification is the equivalent to an English GCSE. Students sit the test on-line on the internet. It involves literacy skills that are predominantly aimed at improving a student’s ability to respond in work related contexts.