Year 11 GCSE English

We are delighted to welcome our Year 11 students and look forward to supporting them through this important year of their English GCSE studies.

Together, we can build the confidence and stamina needed for the demands of the English GCSEs, secure strong progress and help every student achieve their best possible grades in both AQA English Literature and Pearson Edexcel 2.0 English Language.

GCSE Examination Arrangements

Students will be entered for the following qualifications:

AQA English Literature

Paper 1:

  • Shakespeare: Macbeth
  • 19th-century novel: A Christmas Carol

Paper 2:

  • Modern text: An Inspector Calls
  • Poetry: Power and Conflict
  • Unseen Poetry

Pearson Edexcel 2.0 English Language

Paper 1:

  • Non-fiction texts
  • Transactional writing

Paper 2:

  • Contemporary texts
  • Imaginative writing

Teachers will monitor students' progress throughout the year and provide targeted support to ensure that everyone is fully prepared for both examinations. Assessment evidence will be used to identify areas for improvement and guide form-time intervention, after-school intervention and revision.

Year 11 Assessments

Students will complete a programme of assessments throughout the year to help them build confidence and identify areas for further development.

Half Term 1

In-class assessment: Macbeth

Half Term 2

Assessment Week: Full Literature Paper 1 and full Language Paper 1

Half Term 3

In-class assessment: Power and Conflict Poetry and Unseen Poetry

Half Term 4

Assessment Week: Full Literature Paper 2 and full Language Paper 2

GCSE Practice in Lessons

During the first term, students will complete their study of Macbeth alongside Language Paper 1. They will also begin regular practice with GCSE-style questions in both Literature and Language.

This will include:

  • Timed extracts
  • Essay responses
  • Language analysis
  • Recall activities
  • Scaffolding and modelling
  • Live marking and feedback

Students will be encouraged to be resilient, review their work, complete corrections and act on feedback to improve their performance.

During the summer term, teachers will follow an interleaved revision programme, allowing all classes to recap and revise the full course in preparation for their GCSE examinations.

Thursday After-School Intervention

Year 11 English intervention takes place every Thursday from 3:00 – 3:45pm.

Intervention will focus on small groups of students for a number of weeks before rotating to another group. Sessions may include:

  • Targeted support with structuring writing
  • Guided past-paper practice
  • Activities to strengthen knowledge
  • Examination technique

Selected students may also be invited to intervention groups during form time.

Families are encouraged to support regular attendance and purposeful participation in every intervention opportunity offered.

Weekly Homework

Students have been set their Literature texts on Sparx Reader and should read regularly throughout the week.

Students also have a Pearson Edexcel 2.0 Language revision booklet, with a specific number of activities to complete each fortnight.

Every other week, students will be asked to create a Literature revision resource based on a topic identified by their teacher.

Recognising Commitment

We want to recognise students who demonstrate commitment, effort and positive attitudes towards their English studies.

At the end of each half term, our top positive-point scorers will be entered into a raffle prize draw.

Our students with the highest Attitude to Learning (ATL) scores will also be invited to a film night as a reward for their hard work and effort throughout Year 11.

Further Revision Support

Alongside weekly homework and in-class practice, students can use these free online resources for additional revision and exam practice:

BBC Bitesize English Language

BBC Bitesize English Literature
Revision guides, examples and practice activities.

Seneca Learning
Interactive revision resources for English Literature and English Language.

Mr Bruff
Video tutorials covering AQA English Literature and Edexcel English Language.

SparkNotes
Summaries and analysis of set texts.

How Parents and Carers Can Help

Families can support students by:

  • Encouraging them to complete weekly reading and homework independently, carefully and on time.
  • Encouraging attendance and active participation at Thursday intervention when invited, as well as any form-time intervention.
  • Providing a quiet and regular routine for revision.
  • Asking students to show you the work they have completed, corrected and reviewed.
  • Encouraging students to use the available videos and revision resources to catch up promptly following any absence.
  • Encouraging students to ask their English teacher for help when they are unsure.

With regular practice, a positive response to feedback and a willingness to ask for help, every student can make meaningful progress.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child's English teacher.