English Language and English Literature (AQA)

The AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature courses are not tiered and students will be awarded a grade of 1 to 9 (1 being the lowest and 9 only being awarded to the top 3% of students in the country).

Students follow the AQA exam board courses leading to two qualifications in GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. Final examinations will be sat in the summer of 2026.

Topics covered

Reading and literature: Students analyse the language, techniques and ideas of writers in both fiction and non-fiction and use quotation effectively on both English Language papers. A Shakespeare play, a 19th century novel, a modern text and a cluster of poems will be studied for Literature. Additionally, students will be expected to respond to unseen poetry on paper 2
Writing: Students are assessed on the use of standard English, varied sentence structures and vocabulary for effect, as well as their ability to match style to purpose and audience on both language papers
Non-examination assessment: Spoken language: Students work individually and are assessed on their ability to plan a presentation, speak and respond appropriately, express complex ideas, explain the way they have crafted their work and use competent standard english