1 lesson per week lasting 1.5 hours (Maths)
1 lesson per week lasting 1.5 hours (English)
Maximum of 5 students per class –
GCSE Maths and English are the backbone subjects in any pupil’s academic life. Because with the excellent exam results, this will not only open the gateway to the A-Levels and top varsity but also students will walk away with the lifelong learning which will help them in every step of their lives.
Majority of the pupil follow the AQA or Ed excel boards for their English & Maths and at KSG, we proudly offer both the boards’ exam syllabus to succeed in GCSE exams.
Maths
Maths is for everyone. At KSG Learning we design qualifications and support to enable students to engage, explore, enjoy and succeed in maths. Our aim is to support teachers to shape what success in maths looks like for every student.
It is diverse, engaging and essential in equipping students with the right skills to reach their future destination, whatever that may be.
The main topics covered within the GCSE Mathematics curriculum are:
• Number
• Algebra
• Graphs
• Ratio, proportion and rates of change
• Geometry and measures
• Probability& Statistics
• Pythagoras & Trigonometry
Assessment
GCSE Mathematics has a Foundation tier (grades 1 – 5) and a Higher tier (grades 4 – 9). Students must take three question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series.
A mix of question styles, from short, single-mark questions to multi-step problems. The mathematical demand increases as a student progresses through the paper.
Paper 1: How it is assessed?
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 80 marks
• non-calculator
• 33⅓% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment
Paper 2: How it is assessed?
• 1 hour 30 minutes
• 80 marks
• calculator allowed
• 33⅓% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment
Paper 3: How it is assessed?
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 80 marks
• calculator allowed
• 33⅓% of the GCSE Mathematics assessment
Outlook with GCSE Mathematics
GCSE Maths is a basic entrance requirement for degree level courses and, of course, provides the foundation for the study of Mathematics at A-level.Students with a GCSE and/or A-level in Mathematics can go into a variety of different careers such as: Accounting,Medicine, Engineering, Forensic Pathology, Finance, Business, Consultancy, Teaching, IT, Games Development,Scientific Research, Programming, the Civil Service, Design,Construction and Astrophysics to name a few.
English
English Language
Students will read a range of texts that are engaging and diverse. The texts include poetry and prose, as well as literary non-fiction. Students will read and respond to material from a variety of different resources. They will be able to make comparative analysis between texts and analyse the ways in which writers achieve their effects. Students will also be able to construct and convey meaning in written language, matching style to audience and purpose.
What will pupils learn?
- Read a wide range of unseen & seen fiction texts fluently and with a good understanding
- Read critically and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing;
- Write effectively, efficiently and coherently using Standard formal English appropriately
- Reading and understanding Shakespeare’s plays and responding analytically to the exam texts
- Use grammars correctly, punctuate and spell accurately (using idioms and phrasal verbs)
- Acquire and apply a wide vocabulary alongside knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language;
- Listen to and understand spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively
Outlook with GCSE English
English Language GCSEs are designed to help students develop reading, writing and analytical skills, all of which are highly transferable to various situations. A good understanding of the use of the English Language is key to the future success, who will need a GCSE in English Language to be able to study at any British university. Almost all career paths will require students to be able to read and assimilate information, to write reports and make presentations and to understand and respond to information presented in a range of different styles and registers. These are the skills they learn through the study of English Language at GCSE level. A good GCSE in English Language will also prepare students well for the study of English Language and many other subjects at A-level.
Assessment
Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
Section A: Reading (one literature fiction text)
Section B: Writing (descriptive or narrative writing)
How it is assessed?
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 80 marks
• 50% of GCSE
Questions
SECTION A: Reading (40 marks) (25%)– one single text
• 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
• 2 longer form questions (2 x 8 marks)
• 1 extended question (1 x 20 marks)
SECTION B: Writing (40 marks) (25%)
• 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives
Section A: Reading (One non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text)
Section B: Writing (Writing to present a viewpoint)
How it is assessed?
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 80 marks
• 50% of GCSE
Questions
Section A: Reading (40 marks) (25%) – two linked texts
• 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
• 2 longer form questions (1 x 8, 1 x 12 marks)
• 1 extended question (1 x 16 marks)
SECTION B: Writing (40 marks) (25%)
• 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language
How it is assessed?
• Presenting
• Responding to questions and feedback
• Use of Standard English
Assessed
• Teacher set throughout course
• Marked by teacher
• Separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE)
English Literature
English Literature will broaden and develop learners’ skills and encourage them to read and respond to a wider range of literary texts. They will appreciate the writer’s craft and find enjoyment in reading literature.
What will pupils learn?
Students will read a range of texts that are engaging and diverse. They will engage and develop their ability to read,understand and respond to a wide range of literary texts from around the world. Students will develop an appreciation of the ways in which writers achieve their literary effects and develop the skills needed for literary study.
Students will explore, through literature, the cultures of their own and other societies and find enjoyment in reading literature and understanding its influence on individuals and societies.
Assessment
Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel
• Shakespeare plays
• The 19th-century novel
How it is assessed?
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 64 marks
• 40% of GCSE
Questions
- Section A Shakespeare: students will answer one question on their play of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole.
- Section B The 19th-century novel: students will answer one question on their novel of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole.
Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry
• Modern prose or drama texts
• The poetry anthology
• Unseen poetry
How it is assessed?
• Duration: 2 hour 15 minutes
• 96 marks
• 60% of GCSE
Questions
• Section A Modern texts: students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied modern prose or drama text.
• Section B Poetry: students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from their chosen anthology cluster.
• Section C Unseen poetry: Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.
Outlook with GCSE English
English Literature broadens students’ potential prospects and enables them to develop valuable analytical and oral skills that are desirable to employers and universities, in addition to affording them the pleasure of studying well known literary texts in depth. It also provides a good foundation for the study of English Literature and other essay-based subjects (such as History or Religious Studies) at A-level.
