English - Introduction

Since this specification was approved for inclusion in league tables (provided that an English Literature qualification is also taken in KS4), more and more UK centres are opting for it. This guide will explore some of the reasons for this, and offer comparisons to the standard English Language GCSEs.

Please note that the specification has recently been revised, and this guide deals with the version to be assessed from 2015. A section at the end will explain the differences from the 2014 version of the syllabus, for anyone implementing changes that quickly.

Note that this specification (in common with other iGCSEs) is known as the Level 1/2 Certificate in English Language. This is what will appear on pupils’ certificates and results sheets. This qualification is considered equivalent to GCSE by universities and will not adversely affect students’ future progress.

Overall Scheme of Assessment

There are three assessed components which must be taken for UK centres:

• a ‘Reading’ paper (exam) – choice of Core (grades C-G) or Extended (grades A-E)*
• a ‘Writing’ paper - choice of exam or coursework portfolio
• a ‘Speaking and Listening’ component – choice of test or coursework portfolio

NB: A* is available for the specification as a whole if the ‘Extended’ route is followed. Only the ‘Reading’ assessment is tiered.

What are the key differences to GCSE English as I know it?

• There are no Set Texts
• There is no Spoken Language Study
• There is no Controlled Assessment
• Speaking and Listening can be assessed as a single event by recording and sending off a test (very similar format to MFL assessments)
• Summary skills are examined
• Reading questions are less open-ended
• Writing in response to reading is assessed

No Set Texts?

Unlike the GCSEs in English Language or English, both of which require the study of an extended text, or the Edexcel iGCSE, which uses an anthology of prose and poetry, there are no set texts for this specification at all. Students’ reading will be assessed via previously unseen passages.