The course involves Reading and Writing assessments as well as Speaking & Listening assignments such as ‘Room 101’ (like the television programme) and creating an assembly on ‘Body Image’ for Year 9.  You will not have set texts for examination but you will use literature texts for coursework. It is busy but enjoyable and rewarding.   Class sizes are usually between 14 and 18 pupils.  You will find yourself discussing a wide variety of texts, issues and themes.  Sharing your opinions and responding to those of others is an enjoyable part of the course.   An understanding of the historical and social contexts in which a text is written is important at GCSE.  Researching and presenting contextual information is a rewarding aspect of your studies and can provide you with a fuller understanding of your texts.  You can also fulfil Speaking and Listening criteria this way!   Consolidating your English Language skills is a vital part of the programme of study.  You will write letters, reports, reviews and magazine articles as well as further your understanding of language and a writer’s techniques. You will study and write fiction and non fiction.   The Language GCSE examination consists of two papers and one written coursework folder containing 4 essays.  You will be studying a mixture of pre and post 20th century texts, including poetry.  The full specification can be found :  here.