English Language and English Literature Pathway at DCSG
English Department's Aims:
1. To inspire in our students a LIFE-LONG LOVE OF READING
2. To empower our students with the ability to UNDERSTAND AND QUESTION EVERYTHING they read, hear and view
3. To equip our students with the ability to WRITE FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES AND AUDIENCES AND IN DIFFERENT STYLES
4. To encourage our students to WRITE FOR PLEASURE
5. To aid our students in their development as CONFIDENT, ARTICULATE SPEAKERS
6. To guide our students in their development as SENSITIVE AND DISCERNING LISTENERS
7. To support students in becoming EFFECTIVE AND CONSIDERATE COMMUNICATORS VIA THEIR USE OF TECHNOLOGY
8. To encourage a WIDER AWARENESS OF THE WORLD through the study of language and literature
What are the options for Language and Literature at IGCSE?
Students will follow one of two pathways, determined by their English needs at the end of Year 8. These will be flexible if their needs alter during Years 9 and 10.
A) First Language and Literature (FLL) for native English speakers.
- Oxford AQA English Language IGCSE https://cf.oxfordaqaexams.org.uk/oaqaresources/specifications/oxfordaqa-international-gcse-english-language-specification.pdf
- Oxford AQA English Literature IGCSE https://cf.oxfordaqaexams.org.uk/oaqaresources/specifications/oxfordaqa-international-gcse-english-literature-specification.pdf
B) English Language Learning (ELL) for students who may still be on their English learning journey.
- Oxford AQA English Language IGCSE
with the possibility of:
- Oxford AQA English Literature IGCSE
and/or:
- Cambridge English as a Second Language IGCSE
What will be the focus of the three year courses?
Both pathways will continue from Years 9 to 11.
Year 9 will focus on embedding the essential skills for IGCSE. Tasks are designed to prepare students for the NEAs (Non-exam assessments) being completed in Year 10 and the exam skills necessary for Year 11.
For summative purposes, students will be introduced to the IGCSE assessment criteria and will complete some practice IGCSE-style exam questions and coursework tasks.
Year 10 will primarily be focused on the English Language and English Literature NEA pieces, along with the continued development of examination skills. End of year examinations will be based around the English Language literary non-fiction and composition paper and the English Literature poetry paper.
Year 11 students will produce their final coursework portfolios by the end of Term 1. Thereafter, the focus is on preparing students for the three final examinations: English Language - Literary Non-fiction and Composition; English Literature - Prose and Drama, and Poetry and Unseen Poetry.
How will be students be prepared for the IB Diploma?
Preparation for Language and Literature A or Literature A at IBDP is embedded through our choices of syllabi; our choices of literary texts, drawing from varied cultures and eras; a focus on literary and non-literary critical reading and analysis; the development of students as writers of literary and non-literary texts; and the development of speaking and listening skills.
Which specifications will be studied and what are the assessment weightings?
Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language (9270) | Oxford AQA IGCSE English Literature (9275) | Cambridge English as a Second Language (0511) -tbc | |
Grading | 9 to 1 | 9 to 1 | A* to G |
Examination(s) | Paper 1: Literary and Non-fiction Composition - 2 hours - 80 marks - 60% of final grade Section A (40 marks): Questions on an unseen non-literary text Section B (40 marks): Choice of three tasks of different writing styles | Paper 1: Prose and Drama - 1 hour 30 - 60 marks - 40% of final grade - Both sections offer a choice of an essay or a passage analysis Section A (30 marks): On Prose set text Section B (30 marks): On Drama set text Paper 2: Poetry - 1 hour 30 - 60 marks - 40% of final grade Section A (30 marks): Choice of two questions from poetry anthology Section B (30 marks): Question on an unseen poem | Paper 2 (extended option): Reading and Writing - 2 hours - 80 marks - 60% of final grade Six exercises assessing a range of reading and writing skills Paper 4 (extended option): Listening - 50 minutes - 40 marks - 20% of final grade Several extracts to listen to with a range of task types |
Coursework | Non-exam Assessment Project - Teacher assessed and AQA moderated - 60 marks - 40% of final grade Independent research to compose a written task alongside a commentary | Non-exam Assessment Project - Teacher assessed and AQA moderated - 30 marks - 20% of final grade An extended response to a prose fiction text | Component 5: Speaking - Teacher assessed and externally moderated - 10-15 minutes - 30 marks - 20% of final grade Short conversation followed by discussion on a given topic |
Optional Endorsement | Speaking and Listening - Formal presentation, followed by Q&A - Choice of a variety of forms - 10 minutes max. |
What is the ELL pathway and what will it mean for students?
The ELL pathway will be more personalised and focused on linguistic acquisition.
We recognise that English Language acquisition takes time and we are committed to ensuring our students make the best possible progress and, in Year 11, are entered for the most appropriate examination for their needs.
Students will be taught English Language and English Literature through the lens of an English Language learner. Lessons and texts will be accessible for their level of English and personalised for their individual linguistic needs, in a small group setting.
At any stage of the IGCSE course, if the specialist ELL teacher thinks the student should move to the FLL pathway, parents will be consulted.
In Year 11, in discussion with parents and students, entries for any one or two of the following IGCSE courses will be made:
Whom should I contact for more information?
Questions about individual students can be directed towards their current English teacher or, with any IGCSE-related questions, please email Ms. Debra Macgregor, Assistant Head of English, at debra.macgregor@dulwich.org