GCSE English Language

Exam Board & Specification: AQA GCSE English Language

Subject Lead Contact(s):

Mrs A May
Mrs A Emney

What will students study at Key Stage 4?

Year 10: Reading confidence grows through 19th/20th/21st‑century texts, with explicit teaching of inference, synthesis and analysis of writers’ methods. Writing focuses on descriptive and transactional pieces with secure organisation, tone and technical accuracy; spoken language tasks develop presentation skills.

Year 11: Students refine timing and precision across both papers with regular mocks; comparative reading answers and longer transactional tasks are planned, crafted and proof‑read to examination standard, alongside the Spoken Language endorsement.

What do assessments test?

• Reading AOs: Retrieve, interpret and analyse writers’ methods; compare ideas and perspectives
• Writing AOs: Communicate clearly for audience/purpose with effective organisation; use accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar

What are the expectations of my child in this subject?

Bring full equipment, participate actively, complete homework on time, and use retrieval practice and past questions regularly. Keep notes organised and act on feedback promptly.

What should my child do if they feel they are struggling in this subject?

Speak to the teacher early, identify specific topics/skills to target, attend clinics/interventions, and use recommended resources (knowledge organisers, revision platforms, model answers).

How can I best support my child in this subject?

Discuss progress, help plan short and frequent study sessions, encourage targeted practice ahead of assessments, and ensure use of department‑recommended resources and past papers.