The AQA GCSE English Language qualification provides students with a comprehensive grounding in reading and writing skills that are essential for both academic progression and real-world communication. This specification enables students to develop their ability to read, understand and analyze a wide range of texts, and to write clearly, accurately and effectively for different purposes and audiences.
Overview of the Qualification
AQA's GCSE English Language (8700) is a linear qualification, meaning that students sit all their exams at the end of the course. The specification is designed to build on skills developed at Key Stage 3 and encourages students to:
- Read a wide range of texts fluently and with good understanding
- Read critically and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing
- Write effectively and coherently using Standard English
- Acquire and apply a wide vocabulary alongside knowledge of grammatical terminology and linguistic conventions
- Listen to and understand spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively
Subject Content
The subject content is organized into two broad areas:
Reading
Students are required to read and respond critically to a range of texts. They should be able to:
- Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas
- Select and synthesise evidence from different texts
- Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers
- Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references
- Compare writers' ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or more texts
Writing
Students are required to write effectively and coherently for different purposes and audiences. They should be able to:
- Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively
- Organise information and ideas, using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and cohesion
- Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation
Assessment Structure
Students will sit two examination papers, each worth 50% of the final mark:
| Paper | Title | Duration | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing | 1 hour 45 minutes | 80 | 50% |
| Paper 2 | Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives | 1 hour 45 minutes | 80 | 50% |
Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
This paper focuses on fiction texts. It assesses students' ability to:
- Read a literature fiction text in order to consider how established writers use narrative and descriptive techniques to capture the interest of readers
- Write their own creative text, inspired by the topic that they have responded to in section A to demonstrate their narrative and descriptive skills
The paper is divided into two sections:
- Section A Reading: One text (from the 20th or 21st century) with four questions (40 marks)
- Section B Writing: One writing task (40 marks)
Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives
This paper focuses on non-fiction texts. It assesses students' ability to:
- Read two non-fiction texts (one 19th century and one 20th or 21st century) and consider how each presents a perspective or viewpoint
- Write their own text for a specified audience, purpose and form in which they give their own perspective on the theme that has been introduced to them in section A
The paper is divided into two sections:
- Section A Reading: Two texts (one 19th century and one 20th/21st century) with four questions (40 marks)
- Section B Writing: One writing task (40 marks)
Key Features of the Specification
- Un-tiered covers the full ability range
- 100% external assessment no controlled assessment or coursework
- Papers are linear all exams at the end of the course
- Develops good reading habits through reading texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries
- Encourages creative, descriptive and narrative writing
- Builds skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation
Skills Development
Throughout the course, students develop essential skills that are valuable beyond the classroom:
- Critical reading and comprehension understanding vocabulary, concepts and ideas
- Summary and synthesis identifying key themes and ideas
- Evaluation making judgements about the effectiveness of texts
- Critical comparison how texts address similar themes in different ways
- Writing effectively for different audiences and purposes
- Using a range of vocabulary and punctuation for effect
- Drafting and editing skills
- Presentational skills including spelling, grammar and punctuation
Exam Tips for Students
- Read all instructions carefully before starting
- Allocate your time according to the mark allocation for each question
- Annotate texts as you read through them for the first time
- Use quotations to support your points in reading questions
- Plan your writing before you start this improves structure and coherence
- Revise different types of texts and their purposes (inform, persuade, entertain, etc.)
- Practice identifying language devices and their effects
- Ensure your spelling, punctuation and grammar are as accurate as possible
- Leave time to check through your work at the end
Supporting Resources
AQA provides a variety of resources to support teachers and students, including:
- Specimen assessment materials
- Mark schemes
- Examiner reports
- Ready-made teaching resources
- Twilight training events
- Online standardisation training
Progression Opportunities
The AQA GCSE English Language specification provides an excellent foundation for:
- Advanced level study in English Language or English Literature
- Level 3 vocational qualifications
- Apprenticeships
- Employment
- FE and HE study in a wide range of subjects
By studying this specification, students will develop a wide range of reading and writing skills that are essential for further education, employment and everyday life. The ability to communicate effectively is increasingly valued in our rapidly changing world, and this qualification provides a strong foundation for future success.
