Comprehensive AQA English Language Specification Guide

Specification Cover

This is the official AQA GCSE English Language specification (course code 8700) that your teachers use to plan your lessons and prepare you for exams. It covers everything you need to know about the course you'll be studying from Year 10 onwards.

The specification has been updated to version 1.5 as of October 2021, so it contains the most current information about your GCSE course.

Quick Tip: Your teachers refer to this document constantly - it's like the rulebook for your entire English Language GCSE!

Contents Overview

The specification is organised into clear sections that cover every aspect of your GCSE English Language course. You'll find details about the subject content you'll study, how you'll be assessed, and all the administrative bits your school needs to know.

The main sections include subject content, assessment details, and information about non-exam assessment (your speaking and listening component). There's also loads of info about support resources available to help you succeed.

Remember: This contents page is your roadmap - each section builds up to give you the complete picture of your GCSE journey.

Why Choose AQA English Language

AQA has designed this English Language GCSE to be engaging and accessible for students of all abilities. You'll develop essential skills in reading, understanding, and analysing texts from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, plus learn to write clearly and accurately.

The course features two equally-balanced papers with distinct identities. Paper 1 focuses on creative reading and writing, exploring how writers use narrative techniques. Paper 2 examines different writers' viewpoints and perspectives on similar topics over time.

The skills-based approach means questions guide you from easier tasks to more extended responses, helping build your confidence. Plus, if you're taking English Literature too, the skills transfer brilliantly between both subjects.

Confidence Boost: The course is designed to take you on a learning journey, starting with manageable tasks and building up your skills step by step.

Support and Resources

AQA provides tons of resources to help you succeed in English Language. These include reading support booklets with texts from different centuries, digital anthologies, and speaking and listening materials that develop skills useful beyond just your GCSE.

You'll have access to marked student responses with examiner comments, past papers, and specimen papers to practise with. The Enhanced Results Analysis tool helps identify areas where you can improve your performance.

Professional development courses are available for your teachers, covering everything from basic teaching skills to leadership training. This ensures your teachers stay up-to-date with the latest methods and requirements.

Top Tip: Make the most of past papers and examiner commentaries - they're goldmines for understanding exactly what examiners are looking for.

Assessment Structure Overview

Your GCSE English Language consists of three main components that you must complete for the full qualification. All exam texts will be unseen, meaning you won't have studied them beforehand - this tests your ability to analyse any text you encounter.

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and is worth 50% of your GCSE. Section A focuses on reading one literature fiction text, while Section B involves descriptive or narrative writing.

The reading section (40 marks) includes one short question worth 4 marks, two longer questions worth 8 marks each, and one extended 20-mark question. The writing section is also worth 40 marks, with one extended writing task marked for both content (24 marks) and technical accuracy (16 marks).

Exam Strategy: The questions are designed to take you on a journey from easier to more challenging tasks, so build your confidence with the early questions.

Paper 2 and Speaking Assessment

Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives also lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and makes up the other 50% of your GCSE. You'll read two linked texts - one non-fiction and one literary non-fiction - then complete writing tasks that present your own viewpoint.

The reading questions include one 4-mark short question, two longer questions (8 and 12 marks), and one extended 16-mark question. Like Paper 1, the writing section is worth 40 marks with the same split between content and technical accuracy.

Your Spoken Language assessment is completed throughout the course and marked by your teacher. It covers presenting skills, responding to questions, and using Standard English. While it doesn't count towards your GCSE grade, you'll receive a separate endorsement on your certificate.

Speaking Skills: Don't underestimate the speaking component - these communication skills will benefit you in future education and employment.