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GCSE English

This new syllabus is a fast-track, one-year GCSE English Language course involving wider reading and building on written and spoken skills.

There are two units for this qualification:

Paper 1:

  • A written exam (1 hour/45 minutes)
  • 50% of GCSE/ 80 marks

Analysing a literature fiction text and writing descriptively

Paper 2:

  • A written exam (1 hour/45 minutes)
  • 50% of GCSE/ 80 marks

Analysis/comparison of 19th/20th/21st Century non-fiction texts and writing to persuade

Please note that studying at GCSE is an invitation to occasionally engage in and examine challenging and difficult topics and texts.

Non-Exam Spoken Assessment:

(This mark is carried through from school, if you have already done it.)

If you arrive with a Grade 4 in GCSE English Literature, you do not have to re-sit English Language GCSE, but it may be useful especially if you are considering going to university or for future employment.

Course Essentials

Courses Available

GCSE English Language

Enquiries To

Tess McGivney: tem@varndean.ac.uk

What are the Standard Entry Requirements?

CourseGeneral GCSE Grade minimum entry requirements
IB Diploma or 4 A levelsA mixture of at least 7 GCSEs at Grades 9 – 6 including English, Maths and Science.
3 A LevelsA mixture of at least 6 GCSEs at Grades 9 – 4 including English.
A mixed programme at Level 3, to include at least one vocational courseA mixture of at least 5 GCSEs at Grades 9 – 4 including English.
Foundation Level (Level 2)At least 4 GCSEs at Grade 3, including English. At least one GCSE should be at Grade 4 or above.
Any student who has not achieved a grade 4 or C in GCSE English and/or Maths must include further study of these subjects in their programme.