English is the study of how language is used to communicate effectively in the modern world. It enables the individual to develop understanding and confidence in the essential skills of reading, writing and speaking and listening for different purposes and audiences.
At Knutsford Academy, English is also rooted in the enjoyment and interpretation of diverse literature from this country and across the world. It is about seeing things from other points of view, questioning and analysing different perspectives and learning how contexts both shape and are shaped by texts. Students are challenged to write creatively, accurately and meaningfully for a variety of purposes and audiences Most powerfully, English nurtures individual voice and thought through a thematic curriculum.
We study the AQA specification for English Language.
There are two equally balanced papers, relating reading sources to the topic and theme of writing tasks. The reading sources act as stimulus for writing tasks, providing students with a clear route through each paper.
The specification looks at how writers (including students) use narrative and descriptive techniques to engage the interest of readers. Furthermore, we study how writers present a similar topic over time working with texts from the 19th Century to the 21st.
The spoken language accreditation allows pupils to engage in delivering their viewpoints and ideas on key topics and results in a speech style assessment within the course.
Assessment
This qualification is assessed via external exams at the end of Year 11 and a spoken language accreditation at the end of year 10.
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Paper 1 - Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing: One fiction text to explore and analyse in Section A and a creative writing piece to complete from a choice of two in Section B.
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Paper 2 - Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives:
Two non-fiction texts to explore, compare and analyse in Section A and one persuasive writing piece to create in Section B.
Enrichment
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Revision Workshops
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Debate competitions
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Public speaking competitions and opportunities
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Theatre trips
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Theatre workshop visits
Careers
English is viewed by a wide range of employers as an essential skill and is of particular use in careers such as:
- Marketing and communications
- Journalism
- Publishing and copywriting
- Education and teaching
- Human Resources
- Management
- Sales and Retail
- Research and Development
- Politics
- Project Management
English Literature is the study of how language is used to communicate effectively in the modern world. It enables the individual to develop understanding and confidence in the essential skills of reading, writing and speaking and listening for different purposes and audiences.
At Knutsford Academy, English is also rooted in the enjoyment and interpretation of diverse literature from this country and across the world. It is about seeing things from other points of view, questioning and analysing different perspectives and learning how contexts both shape and are shaped by texts. Students are challenged to write creatively, accurately and meaningfully for a variety of purposes and audiences Most powerfully, English nurtures individual voice and thought through a thematic curriculum.
We study the Edexcel specification for English Literature.
Throughout the two-year course pupils will study a Shakespeare play, [Macbeth] a post-1914 British play or novel, [An Inspector Calls] a 19th-century novel [Jekyll and Hyde] and a poetry collection from the Pearson Poetry Anthology.
Pupils will develop skills to analyse how the language, form, structure and context of texts can create meanings and effects; maintain a critical style and informed personal response and develop comparison skills.
Assessment
The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in English Literature is a linear course. It consists of two externally examined components.
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Paper 1 -
Section A – Macbeth: a two-part question, with the first task focused on an extract of approximately 30 lines. The second task is focused on how a theme reflected in the extract is explored elsewhere in the play. Section B – An Inspector Calls: ONE essay question
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Paper 2 -
Section A – Jekyll and Hyde: a two-part question, with the first part focused on an extract of approximately 400 words. The second part is an essay question exploring the whole text. Section B – Part 1: ONE question comparing a named poem from the Pearson Poetry Anthology collection to another poem from that collection. The named poem will be shown in the question paper.
Part 2: ONE question comparing two unseen contemporary poems
Enrichment
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Revision Workshops
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Debate competitions
-
Public speaking competitions and opportunities
-
Theatre trips
-
Theatre workshop visits
Careers
English Literature is viewed by a wide range of employers as an essential skill and is of particular use in careers such as:
- Marketing and communications
- Journalism
- Publishing and copywriting
- Education and teaching
- Human Resources
- Management
- Sales and Retail
- Research and Development
- Politics
- Project Management
Media Studies is the exploration of how information, entertainment, and ideas are created, communicated, and consumed. It’s a subject that encourages students to think critically about the media that surrounds them — from social media posts and TV shows to news articles, video games, films, and advertising.
At its heart, Media Studies is about understanding influence. Who decides what we see? How are messages shaped? And how do media platforms affect public opinion, culture, and identity? Whether analysing a blockbuster film or a viral meme, Media Studies gives you the tools to decode meaning and challenge assumptions.
Course Description
OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Media Studies is designed to widen the intellectual horizons of the learner through the analysis of a wide range of media forms and contexts. The course is designed to encourage learners to engage confidently with critical and theoretical approaches from the perspectives of both analytical consumers and producers of media products.
OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Media Studies will enable learners to:
• demonstrate skills of enquiry, critical thinking, decision-making and analysis
• acquire knowledge and understanding of a range of important media issues
• develop appreciation and critical understanding of the media and their role both historically and currently in society, culture and politics
• understand and apply specialist subject-specific terminology to analyse and compare media products and the contexts in which they are produced and consumed in order to make informed arguments, reach
substantiated judgements and draw conclusions about media issues
• appreciate how theoretical understanding supports practice and practice supports theoretical understanding
• develop practical skills by providing opportunities for creative media production.
Assessment
Two written examinations and an NEA.
Paper 1: TV and Promoting Media. 1hr 45 mins, 35% of the overall GCSE
Section A: Television
Learners will engage with one in-depth study covering contemporary and historic television products, responding to questions covering the whole of the theoretical framework and a range of media contexts.
Section B: Promoting Media
Learners will study media products from the same global conglomerate producer illustrating the media forms of film, advertising and marketing, and video games.
Paper 2: Music and News. 1 hr 15 mins
35% of overall GCSE
Section A: Music.
Learners will engage with one in-depth study covering magazines. Learners will also engage with music videos and radio. Learners will respond to questions covering the whole of the theoretical framework.
Section B: The News
Learners will engage with one in-depth study covering online, social and participatory media. Learners will also engage with newspapers. Learners will respond to questions covering the whole of the theoretical framework and a range of media contexts.
Creating Media - Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) 30% of the GCSE
Learners will create media products through applying knowledge and understanding of media language and media representations from the theoretical framework to express and communicate meaning to an intended audience.
Enrichment
- Placement links with local computer games company
- Guest speakers from the Media Industry
Careers
A GCSE in Media Studies can start the journey to a career in the media industry!
In a world shaped by digital content, it’s a subject that feels immediately relevant.
Media Studies can lead to a wide range of future paths. Many students go on to study A‑level Media, Film, English, Sociology, or Art & Design, and later explore careers in areas such as journalism, marketing, film production, digital content creation, advertising, public relations, and game design. Even for those who choose a different direction, the subject strengthens communication skills and media literacy—abilities that are valuable in almost every field.
Contact
Mrs R Brook: rbk@knutsfordacademy.org.uk