KS4 Options Booklet 2026-2028

Exams and Assessment Information • English Language: 2 written exams both lasting 1 hour 45 minutes in which you will answer questions on a range of fiction and non-fiction texts and complete 2 creative writing tasks (100% of final grade) • English Literature: Shakespeare and the 19th Century novel - exam lasting 1 hour 45 minutes (40% of final grade) and Modern texts and poetry – exam lasting 2 hours 15 minutes (60% of final grade) • Spoken language presentations (0%) What will I learn about? • Non-fiction texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st century including travel writing, diary entries and quality journalism • How to analyse a range of fiction texts including Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Priestley’s An Inspector Calls and Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as well as Conflict Poetry • How to write in a variety of forms such as narrative descriptions and essays where you will construct an argument • Developing presentation and discussion skills in front of an audience ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE How will I learn? • Taking part in exploratory activities designed to develop confidence in reading and writing • Being involved in group discussions, arguments and debates to develop critical opinions regarding literature • Building confidence in reading skills by encountering a range of non-fiction texts across three centuries • Having the opportunity to read and enjoy literature from a range of times and genres • Encouraging personal responses to literature through analysing unseen texts • Developing a precise and accurate writing style through practising technical aspects of written and spoken expression Where could English take me? • The key English skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening are required in all academic courses and all careers. • The study of English develops confidence. • The study of English can provide a life-long love of literature. • You will achieve critical skills that are applicable in a wide range of contexts, such as journalism, education, marketing, PR, HR, sales, politics, sports journalism, creative writing, song-writing, management, international relations Additional Costs and Entry Requirements • It is advised that students have their own copies of all the English Literature texts • There are no specific entry requirements for English Language and Literature Course Specification & further information AQA GCSE English Language and Literature – use the links below for more details: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/ english-8700/specification https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/ english-8702/specification 8