English GCSE

Summer 2010: Coursework Forms / Internal Assessment Manual

Specifications for first teaching September 2010 now accredited

NEW: Controlled Assessment Advice for GCSE English / English Language / English Literature New Specifications 2012

Like all awarding bodies, WJEC has revised its specifications in the English subject area for first teaching from September 2010 (first award 2012). WJEC is offering 3 qualifications in the GCSE English subject area:

• GCSE English
• GCSE English Language
• GCSE English Literature

We are pleased to announce that these specifications have now been accredited.

Key features:

• Specifications produced following consultation with teachers
• Direct email and phone contact with subject officer and administrative support
• Straightforward, efficient administration
• INSET offered across England and Wales
• Tried and trusted assessment
• Content allows flexibility in entry decisions
• Reliable and well-established senior examiner team
• Separate units for Reading and Writing in English / English Language external assessment allow for better time management in the exam and re-sit flexibility
• Free online teacher guide in preparation
• Audio CD of poetry in the poetry collection
• Wide range of materials planned by OUP and Heinemann, written by senior examiners

The main changes from the draft specifications published in July are as follows:

• Two of the speaking and listening tasks in Unit 4 (GCSE English and English Language) must be of a functional nature;
• An oral response to the language study in Unit 4 (GCSE English Language) is not allowed;
• Heroes replaces Private Peaceful as a GCSE English Literature set text (Unit 2);
• In the three subjects unannotated copies of reading texts may be used in controlled assessment sessions (Unit 3);
• In the three subjects an A4 sheet of notes made by the student (not containing a plan or draft) may be used in controlled assessment of reading sessions (Unit 3). 

Click below to see the full specifications and specimen assessment materials:

WJEC GCSE in English summary of assessment – from first teaching 2010

WJEC GCSE in English Language summary of assessment – from first teaching 2010

WJEC GCSE in English Literature summary of assessment – from first teaching 2010

WJEC GCSE in English Specification - 2010

WJEC GCSE in English Language Specification - 2010

WJEC GCSE in English Literature Specification - 2010

WJEC GCSE in English SAMs - 2010

WJEC GCSE in English Language SAMs - 2010

WJEC GCSE in English Literature SAMs - 2010

Frequently Asked Questions - Specifications from first teaching 2010

Please note the following:

• GCSE English will not be available in Wales;
• Pupils at mainstream maintained schools in England must be entered for EITHER GCSE English OR GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature;
• GCSE English and GCSE English Language is a prohibited combination;
• GCSE English and GCSE English Literature is a prohibited combination;
• We are offering unitised assessment: the first units will be offered in Summer 2011, but the first full award will be in Summer 2012;
• The existing specifications will be offered for examination for the last time in Summer 2011, with a re-sit opportunity for GCSE English only in November 2011.

Full details are in the specifications. The summary of assessment on page 2 of each booklet and also posted separately provides a useful overview.  

A series of training events for the new specifications is planned for the spring term of 2010. Please see Courses column on this page.

For details of the existing specification please click on the following link:

GCSE English Specification (for examination from 2009) 

For further information, contact:

Subject Officer - Hugh Lester
Tel:     029 2026 5023 
Email: hugh.lester@wjec.co.uk

Subject Support Officer - Matt Oatley
Tel:     029 2026 5054
Email: matthew.oatley@wjec.co.uk