Course Title: AQA GCSE English Language (Resit)
Examining Body: AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)
Course Duration: One academic year (with opportunities for November or summer resit entries depending on school provision)
Overview of the Course
- This course is designed for students who wish to improve their GCSE English Language grade and strengthen their reading, writing, and communication skills.
- Students develop confidence in analysing a range of fiction and non-fiction texts and practise writing for different purposes and audiences.
- The course reinforces essential literacy skills required for further study, apprenticeships, and employment, focusing on:
- Critical reading and comprehension
- Writing with accuracy, clarity, and structure
- Understanding writers’ methods
- Developing vocabulary and grammar
- Spoken language skills
How the Course Is Examined
- Assessment is through two written examination papers:
- Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- 50% of GCSE
- Analyses an unseen literary fiction extract; creative writing task
- Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- 50% of GCSE
- Analyses two linked non-fiction texts (one modern, one older); transactional writing task
- Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
- Spoken Language Endorsement
- Assessed separately and does not affect the final grade
- Students deliver a short presentation and respond to questions
Further Information / Unit Details
- The course covers:
- Reading skills: inference, evaluation, comparison, analysing language and structure
- Writing skills: crafting narratives, viewpoints, and persuasive texts
- Exam technique: timing, planning, proofreading, and improving written accuracy
- Support includes targeted feedback, practice papers, model answers, and revision of core literacy skills.
Where the Qualification Can Lead
- Achieving a grade 4 or above opens pathways to:
- Level 3 study, including A-Levels, BTECs, and other post-16 qualifications
- University pathways that require GCSE English Language
- Apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors
- Careers such as childcare, healthcare, public services, business, media, retail, and more
- Strong English skills are valued in all careers, supporting communication, problem-solving, and employability.