What does the course look like?
Subject
Coursework
element
Exam
Exam
element one element two
English
Language
3 written pieces, each 40% written exam:
500-800 words.
20% Speaking and
listening:
40% of course.
Due March 2015
Either core or
extended.
Three part exam
4 minute speech
followed by 6 minute
discussion
English
Literature
25% Controlled
Assessments
50% Prose:
25% Poetry:
Shakespeare and
Modern Drama:
Completed in year 10
Animal Farm and Of
Mice and Man
Anthology and
Unseen Poetry
How can I help my child with English Language?
40% The iGCSE exam (Extended / Core)
20% The Speaking and Listening exam
- Formal exam completed in early
May, testing reading comprehension
and writing.
- Formal exam administered by the
school in a specific examination
window (around Easter.
- Students talk uninterrupted about a
topic of their choice for 3-4 minutes
before a 5-6 minute discussion.
Help by:
-
-
Reading through past papers with
your students, checking
comprehension of questions.
Using the ‘knowledge organisers’ to
make flashcards and notes.
Completing past papers.
Help by:
- Discussing possible topics
- Listening to talks and asking
questions
- Coaching: Body Language and voice
The coursework (40%): Three pieces of writing. Students have handed in this work
and will receive it back to edit and improve. Often, students find this difficult!
How can I help my child with English Literature?
The Prose Exam (50%)
The Poetry Exam (25%)
- Formal exam on 23rd May, testing
knowledge of Of Mice and Men and
Animal Farm.
- Formal exam on 27th May, testing
students knowledge of Anthology
poetry and Unseen poetry.
Help by:
• Using key pages in planners for
revision (flash cards, mind-maps).
• Referring to ‘knowledge organisers’
• Copy of each text and a revision
guide
• Folder to keep revision notes, mind
maps.
• Testing knowledge on plot,
characters and themes.
Help by:
- Using key pages in planners for
revision.
- Using practice papers from website
- Mind maps, revision cards for
anthology poems.
- Practice essay questions, in
‘prepped’ and ‘timed’ conditions.
- Checking quality of notes in
anthologies
Key Tips:
• Regular quizzing / testing memory (not simply
rereading notes!)
• Working with the information (mind maps,
essay plans)
• A mixture of ‘prepared’ and ‘blind’ past paper
questions
• Revisiting past content
• Refer to the website
• Email myself or teacher