KS4 curriculum

IGCSE English Language

Course Aims

This Edexcel IGCSE course aims to enable learners to:

  • read a wide range of texts fluently and with good understanding
  • read critically and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing
  • write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately
  • use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately
  • 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. Spoken language will be reported as a separate grade on the learner’s certificate.

Modular courses retain the same content as the existing linear specifications, but the content is divided into two separate units.

Instead of sitting exams covering all of the course content at the end of the two-year course (as with linear specifications), learners will sit them at the end of each unit.

The modular assessment structure offers learners the flexibility to sit examinations when they are ready and provides opportunities to resit individual unit assessments before receiving an overall qualification grade.

Unit 1: Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing

Unit code: 4WEA1/01*

Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes

Availability: June and November

90 marks

60% of the total

Content overview

  • The contemporary non-fiction texts from Part 1 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.
  • Develop skills to analyse how writers use linguistic and structural devices to achieve their effects.
  • Explore links and connections between writers’ ideas and perspectives.
  • Develop transactional writing skills for a variety of purposes and audiences.
  • Use spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately.

Unit 2: Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing

Unit code: 4WEA2/01*

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: June and November

60 marks

40% of the total

Content overview

  • The poetry and prose texts from Part 2 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.
  • Develop skills to analyse how writers use linguistic and structural devices to achieve their effects.
  • Develop imaginative writing skills to engage the reader.
  • Use spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately.

Things to Know

Course Name: International GCSE English Language A (Modular)

Course Code:  4XEA1

Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel

Examination Type: In-person or online

Course Duration: 2 years

Course Delivery: Online Lessons (live) and access to course materials at all times

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For further information and specification details please visit the relevant exam board websites.

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