Assessment Structure and Requirements

The assessment framework consists of two equally weighted examination papers, each accounting for 50% of the final grade. Both papers assess reading and writing skills but focus on different aspects of language use and text types.

Students must demonstrate proficiency in analyzing both fiction and non-fiction texts, employing various structural techniques and writing techniques list and examples in their responses. The mark scheme rewards sophisticated analysis, perceptive interpretation, and skillful writing.

The specification includes clear assessment objectives that emphasize the importance of reading comprehension, analysis of language and structure, comparison skills, and technical accuracy in writing. These objectives align with the broader goals of developing critical thinking and effective communication skills.

Example: In Paper 1, students might analyze how writers use language to create tension in an extract from a novel, while Paper 2 might require comparison of viewpoints in two non-fiction texts about a shared topic.

Understanding the AQA GCSE English Language Specification

The AQA English Language specification provides a comprehensive framework designed to develop essential reading and writing skills. This specification enables students to analyze diverse texts spanning the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries while mastering clear and coherent writing techniques.

Definition: The AQA GCSE English Language qualification (8700) consists of two equally-weighted examination papers and a spoken language assessment, designed to evaluate students' reading comprehension, writing abilities, and oral communication skills.

The assessment structure features two main papers: AQA English Language Paper 1 focuses on creative reading and writing, examining how authors employ narrative and descriptive techniques to engage readers. AQA English Language Paper 2 explores writers' viewpoints and perspectives, analyzing how different authors present similar topics across time periods. Both papers follow a carefully structured format that guides students through increasingly complex tasks.

The specification's skills-based approach operates in an untiered context, making it accessible to students of all abilities while maintaining appropriate academic challenge. This design allows for seamless co-teaching with GCSE English Literature, enabling students to develop transferable skills across both subjects. The course provides excellent preparation for further education in English at AS and A-level, while equipping students with vital communication skills for future employment.