Our English teaching support is used in two thirds of the Top 100 Schools and five of the Top Ten Progress 8 Schools. A not-for-profit by teachers for teachers Edusites is committed to supporting all teachers.

Edusites membership empowers teachers to plan effectively, assess accurately and teach with confidence.

Click on the links below for expert advice, CPD and resources for the Edexcel GCSE specifications

• Edexcel GCSE Language

• Edexcel...

For resources described in this introduction please see the end of this page

Do You Know What You Don’t Know, And Know Why You Need To Know It?

It’s a family dinner. We’re talking about the new CCTV cameras that have been installed by the bus stop. ‘Remember, Big Brother is watching,’ warns my dad. My little sister gives him a stare. ‘I didn’t know you watched Big Brother dad?’ she asks. My sister isn’t one for reading. She has watched Big Brother, and...

Today’s Friday Takeaways are a range of instant use PDFs for GCSE texts, unseen poetry, vocabulary lists and how to improve writing skills. Intended to be used as ‘Aide Memoirs’ for Year 11 as they head for their GCSE exams. Many of our subscribers have laminated them and use them as mats in their classrooms.

• AQA Power and Conflict Vocabulary List

• AQA Love and Relationships Vocabulary list

• Edexcel Love and Relationships Vocabulary List

• Edexcel Time...

Materials for Assessment

Files you will need for the exam:

• Edexcel GCSE English Language Edusites Practice Paper One

• Edexcel Paper 1 Source 1
• Edexcel Paper 1 Source 2
• Edexcel Paper 1 Source 3

Files you will need to mark the exam papers:

• Edexcel GCSE English Language Edusites Practice Paper One Mark Scheme

To compliment these assessments we also have:

Live Scripts

Many thanks to all schools who took part in our second mock exam project and thanks...

Vendetta

Skills for Fiction Language GCSE

• This unit is one of four focused on the skills needed for the GCSE English Language Fiction assessment objectives
• Vendetta contains 6 lessons delivered through Online Slides (Firefox, Safari or Internet Explorer)
• Attached resources which will need to be printed for each student and used in each of the 6 lessons
• This unit which is 1 of 4 is appropriate for mid to long term cover.

In class

• Each lesson has...

Our Twelve days of Christmas takeaways are Knowledge Organisers for GCSE texts, unseen poetry and how to improve writing skills. These Knowledge Organisers are intended to be used as ‘Aide Memoirs’ for Year 11 as they head for their GCSEs or equally they could be used when introducing a topic. Many of our subscribers have laminated them and use them as mats in their classrooms.

On the first Day of Christmas my true love gave to me

• A Christmas Carol...

This resource has been broken into two parts to make it easier for you to cut, paste and edit. Please click on the link below to find the other half of this resource.

Edexcel English Language Unseen Fiction Reading | Travel and Journeys Part 2

For Paper One

Fiction and Imaginative Writing

Introduction

From the Edexcel specification

‘Students should read selections from a range of high-quality, challenging prose fiction, in preparation for...

This resource has been broken into two parts to make it easier for you to cut, paste and edit. Please click on the link below to find the other half of this resource.

• Edexcel English Language Unseen Fiction Reading | Around the World Part 2

For Paper One

Fiction and Imaginative Writing

Introduction

From the Edexcel specification

‘Students should read selections from a range of high-quality, challenging prose fiction, in preparation for...

This resource has been broken into two parts to make it easier for you to cut, paste and edit. Please click on the link below to find the other half of this resource.

• Edexcel English Language Unseen Fiction Reading | Around the World Part 1

6

In this extract from A Journey by Edith Wharton

In this extract the woman in the story is travelling by train through the night with her desperately ill husband.

Suddenly she thought she heard him call....

This resource has been broken into two parts to make it easier for you to cut, paste and edit. Please click on the link below to find the other half of this resource.

• Edexcel English Language Unseen Fiction Reading | Travel and Journeys Part 1

5

This extract is from Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

In this extract Long John Silver is described

I remember him as if it were yesterday, as he came plodding to the inn door, his sea-chest...

All Exam Boards

• AQA GCSE English Language (8700) Paper 2 WVP School
• Edexcel GCSE English Language Paper 2 Mark Scheme NFTW Summerhill
• Eduqas/WJEC GCSE English Language C2 Exam Paper RTPW Safari
• OCR GCSE English Language Practice Paper Two EEI Crete

Live Scripts available for these exam papers for Eduqas and AQA exam boards. If you are interested in live scripts for Edexcel or OCR please {encode="

Our teaching materials are used in two thirds of the top schools. Our resources empower teachers to plan effectively, assess accurately and teach with confidence. As a non-subscriber you will be able to see a preview of the resources. To access them in full click on Subscribe now.

Edusites Teacher Guides to GCSE English Language and Literature

• Edusites Teacher Guides to GCSE English Language and Literature

Edusites Teacher Guide to Revision of...

Our teaching materials are used in two thirds of the top schools. Our resources empower teachers to plan effectively, assess accurately and teach with confidence. As a non-subscriber you will be able to see a preview of the resources. To access them in full click on Subscribe now.

Edusites Teacher Guides to GCSE English Language and Literature

• Edusites Teacher Guides to GCSE English Language and Literature

Edusites Teacher Guide to Revision of...

Presented at both The Team English Conference and the ResearchEd National conference this series of resources combine the latest research to improve creative writing. Directed towards improvements for the GCSE English Language Paper this resource can be used in conjunction with any qualification which includes a Creative Writing element.

Based on and including concrete resources to be used in the classroom, Taxi Tales is a practical guide to improve the...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Unseen Poetry | How to Use
• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Unseen Poetry | Contents of Poems
• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Unseen Poetry | Love and Relationships
• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Unseen Poetry | Natural World
• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Unseen Poetry | Power and Conflict
• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Unseen Poetry | Time and Place
• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Unseen Poetry | Youth...

Our Unseen Poetry Anthologies provide 30 poems covering five categories:

• Love and Relationships
• Conflict and Power
• Youth and Age
• Time and Place
• The Natural World

Included in the anthology is an introduction around meaning, discussion points for the classroom and teaching tips for each poem.

Our Top Examiner Tips look at what is required in answering unseen poems in terms of the assessment objectives, structuring a response, how to reference effectively...

Associated Resources

• Discourse Markers Toolkit
• Discourse Markers PowerPoint
• DISPLAY Discourse Markers

A ‘discourse marker’ is a word or phrase that helps to link written ideas. These words are generally more formal lexical items that find little use in speech – which is perhaps why they do not always come naturally to students.

Discourse markers can be used, for example, to link ideas that are similar (e.g. the adverbs, also and similarly); and...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel English Language Non Fiction Reading Anthology | How To Use
• Edexcel English Language Non Fiction Reading Anthology | Contents of Extracts
• Edexcel English Language Non Fiction Reading Anthology | Poverty
• Edexcel English Language Non Fiction Reading Anthology | Sport and Entertainment
• Edexcel English Language Non Fiction Reading Anthology | War and Espionage
• Edexcel English Language Non Fiction Reading Anthology | Health
• Edexcel...

click on image to enlarge

Focusing on the analysis of form, structure and language

For any text you study for your GCSE English Literature coursework, controlled assessments or exam, to gain a high grade, the exam board’s mark scheme requires you to analyse and discuss effective aspects of form, structure and language. Many teachers call this “FSL?. In practice, most students cope well with analysing and discussing the useful effects created by language...

An Inspector Calls Learning Mat.docx

Welcome to Edusites English Edexcel GCSE English Language Component 2: Non Fiction and Transactional Writing Assessment Pack. Click on the links below to access a sample paper, marking guidelines and indicative content.

These packs have been developed by experienced English assessors with extensive awarding body experience and by people who were very closely involved in the development of these new specifications within the awarding bodies, with Ofqual...

Welcome to Edusites English Edexcel GCSE English Language Component 1: Fiction and Imaginative Writing Assessment Pack. Click on the links below to access a sample paper, marking guidelines and indicative content.

These packs have been developed by experienced English assessors with extensive awarding body experience and by people who were very closely involved in the development of these new specifications within the awarding bodies, with Ofqual and...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE Eng Lit Component 1: Macbeth Scheme Lessons 1-17
• Edexcel GCSE Eng Lit Component 1: Macbeth Scheme Lesson 18
• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature Assessment Pack

How the Component is Assessed

Component 1: Studying Shakespeare and Post 1914 Literature

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE

• 80 marks
• 1 hour 45 minutes written paper

Content Overview - Reading and responding to:

• one...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel English Language Non Fiction Reading Anthology | How To Use
• Edexcel English Language Non Fiction Reading Anthology | Contents of Extracts
• Edexcel English Language Non Fiction Reading Anthology | Poverty
• Edexcel English Language Non Fiction Reading Anthology | Sport and Entertainment
• Edexcel English Language Non Fiction Reading Anthology | War and Espionage
• Edexcel English Language Non Fiction Reading Anthology | Health
• Edexcel...

This resource has been broken into two parts to make it easier for you to cut, paste and edit. Please click on the link below to find the other half of this resource.

• Edexcel English Language Unseen Fiction Reading | Place and Time Part 1

8

This extract is from Anne Brontë’s Agnes Grey

This extract describes Anne’s daily routine as a governess.

I rose next morning with a feeling of hopeful exhilaration, in spite of the disappointments...

For Paper One

Fiction and Imaginative Writing

Introduction

From the Edexcel specification

‘Students should read selections from a range of high-quality, challenging prose fiction, in preparation for responding to an unseen 19th-century prose fiction extract in the examination. They should be able to read substantial pieces of writing (extended texts) that make significant demands on them in terms of content, structure and the quality of language....

For Paper One

Fiction and Imaginative Writing

Introduction

This resource has been broken into two parts to make it easier for you to cut, paste and edit. Please click on the link below to find the other half of this resource.

• Edexcel English Language Unseen Fiction Reading | Place and Time Part 2

From the Edexcel specification

‘Students should read selections from a range of high-quality, challenging prose fiction, in preparation for...

Welcome to Edusites English Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature Assessment Pack. Click on the links below to access a sample paper, marking guidelines and indicative content.

These packs have been developed by experienced English assessors with extensive awarding body experience and by people who were very closely involved in the development of these new specifications within the awarding bodies, with...

Welcome to Edusites English Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 2: 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789 Assessment Pack. Click on the links below to access a sample paper, marking guidelines and indicative content.

These packs have been developed by experienced English assessors with extensive awarding body experience and by people who were very closely involved in the development of these new specifications within the awarding bodies, with...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 2: 19th-century Novel & Poetry since 1789 Assessment Pack

Associated Resources

• Edexcel GCSE Poetry Anthology Sample Question Lesson 5.docx

Qualification Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of the Pearson Edexcel Level 1/ Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in English Literature are to enable students to:

• Read a wide range of classic literature fluently and with good understanding, and make connections...

Spoken Language Endorsement for GCSE English Language

The four English awarding bodies have developed the new criteria for Spoken Language assessment in the new GCSE English Language (9-1) qualifications. This will be a separately endorsed component, for which candidates will be graded Distinction, Pass, or Merit. Candidates who do not achieve a Pass grade, or those who do not take the component, will be given non-classified.

The Guidance Document for...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 2: 19th-century Novel & Poetry since 1789 Assessment Pack

Associated Resources

• Worksheet 1.docx
• Worksheet 1 Level 1-3.docx
• Worksheet 2.docx
• Worksheet 3.docx
• Worksheet 4.docx
• Worksheet 5.docx
• Teacher’s Copy Worksheet 5.docx
• Success in the Unseen Poetry Section.pptx

Unseen Poetry - Section B Part 2

• This scheme of work focuses upon the unseen poetry section of the paper.
• It is worth a total of 20...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature Assessment Pack

Associated Resources

• Blood Brothers Workbook 2015.docx

Aims and Learning Outcomes

Courses based on this specification should encourage students to develop knowledge and skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. Through literature, students have a chance to develop culturally and acquire knowledge of the best that has been thought...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature Assessment Pack

How the Component is Assessed

Component 1: Studying Shakespeare and Post 1914 Literature

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE

• 80 marks
• 1 hour 45 minutes written paper

Content Overview - Reading and responding to:

• one Shakespeare play
• one studied modern prose or drama text

This is a closed book examination. The texts will not be allowed...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 2: 19th-century Novel & Poetry since 1789 Assessment Pack

Associated Resources

• How to Deconstruct a Poem.pdf
• Special Feature Card.docx

How is this unit assessed?

• A 2 hour 15 minute written examination.
• It counts for 50% of the GCSE English Literature qualification.

Overview of the Unit Content

This unit asks students to study a 19th century novel and a poetry collection from the Pearson...

Guide Navigation

1. Edexcel GCSE Eng Lit Component 2: Pride and Prejudice Scheme Lessons 1-6
2. Edexcel GCSE Eng Lit Component 2: Pride and Prejudice Scheme Lessons 7-12
• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 2: 19th-century Novel & Poetry since 1789 Assessment Pack

How the Component is Assessed

Component 2: 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE.

• 80 marks
• 1 hour 45 minutes written paper

Content Overview -...

Guide Navigation

1. Edexcel GCSE Eng Lit Component 2: Jane Eyre Scheme Lessons 1-7
2. Edexcel GCSE Eng Lit Component 2: Jane Eyre Scheme Lessons 8-14
3. Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 2: 19th-century Novel & Poetry since 1789 Assessment Pack

Associated Resources

• Jane and Rochester The First Meeting.docx
• Love Rivals.docx

How the Component is Assessed

Component 2: 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE.

• 80...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 2: 19th-century Novel & Poetry since 1789 Assessment Pack

How the Component is Assessed

Component 2: 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE.

• 80 marks
• 1 hour 45 minutes written paper

Content Overview - Reading and Responding to:

• One novel from the 19th-century
• One section of poetry from the Edexcel anthology

This is a closed book examination. The texts...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 2: 19th-century Novel & Poetry since 1789 Assessment Pack

How the Component is Assessed

Component 2: 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE.

• 80 marks
• 1 hour 45 minutes written paper

Content Overview - Reading and Responding to:

• One novel from the 19th-century
• One section of poetry from the Edexcel anthology

This is a closed book examination. The texts...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 2: 19th-century Novel & Poetry since 1789 Assessment Pack

Associated Resources

• Comparative 19th Century to Modern Times Table.docx
• Frankenstein Nature and Knowledge Extracts.docx

How the Component is Assessed

Component 2: 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE.

• 80 marks
• 1 hour 45 minutes written paper

Content Overview - Reading and Responding to:

• One...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature Assessment Pack

Associated Resources

• The Tempest Character List.docx
• The Tempest Symbolism Chart.docx

How the Component is Assessed

Component 1: Studying Shakespeare and Post 1914 Literature

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE

• 80 marks
• 1 hour 45 minutes written paper

Content Overview - Reading and responding to:

• one Shakespeare play
• one studied modern...

Guide Navigation

1. Edexcel GCSE Eng Lit Component 1: Much Ado About Nothing Scheme Weeks 1-3
2. Edexcel GCSE Eng Lit Component 1: Much Ado About Nothing Scheme Weeks 4-6
3. Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature Assessment Pack

Associated Resources

• Much Ado Assessment for Learning Sheet.docx
• Edusites Much Ado About Nothing Activities Pack.docx

How the Component is Assessed

Component 1: Studying Shakespeare and Post...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature Assessment Pack

How the Component is Assessed

Component 1: Studying Shakespeare and Post 1914 Literature

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE

• 80 marks
• 1 hour 45 minutes written paper

Content Overview - Reading and responding to:

• one Shakespeare play
• one studied modern prose or drama text

This is a closed book examination. The texts will not be allowed in...

Guide Navigation

1. Edexcel GCSE Eng Lit Component 1: Lord of the Flies Lessons 1-9
2. Edexcel GCSE Eng Lit Component 1: Lord of the Flies Lessons 10-16
3. Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature Assessment Pack

Associated Resources

• Lord of the Flies Table 1.docx
• What would you do if.docx

How the Component is Assessed

Component 1: Studying Shakespeare and Post 1914 Literature

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE

• 80...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE Eng Lit Component 1: The Merchant of Venice Lessons 1-7
• Edexcel GCSE Eng Lit Component 1: The Merchant of Venice Lessons 8-15
• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature Assessment Pack

How the Component is Assessed

Component 1: Studying Shakespeare and Post 1914 Literature

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE

• 80 marks
• 1 hour 45 minutes written paper

Content Overview - Reading and...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature Assessment Pack

How the Component is Assessed

Component 1: Studying Shakespeare and Post 1914 Literature

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE

• 80 marks
• 1 hour 45 minutes written paper

Content Overview - Reading and responding to:

• one Shakespeare play
• one studied modern prose or drama text

This is a closed book examination. The texts will not be allowed in...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 2: 19th-century Novel & Poetry since 1789 Assessment Pack

How the Component is Assessed

Component 2: 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE.

• 80 marks
• 1 hour 45 minutes written paper

Content Overview - Reading and Responding to:

• One novel from the 19th-century
• One section of poetry from the Edexcel anthology

This is a closed book examination. The texts...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Literature Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature Assessment Pack

Associated Resources

• An Inspector Calls Comparative Table 1912 & 1945.doc

How the Component is Assessed

Component 1: Studying Shakespeare and Post 1914 Literature

Assessment Overview - 50% of total GCSE

• 80 marks
• 1 hour 45 minutes written paper

Content Overview - Reading and responding to:

• one Shakespeare play
• one studied modern prose or...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Language Component 2: Non Fiction and Transactional Writing Assessment Pack

Assessment Objectives

Reading

AO1: Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas. Select and synthesise evidence from different texts.
AO2: Explain, comment upon and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views.
AO3:...

Guide Navigation

• Edexcel GCSE English Language Component 1: Fiction and Imaginative Writing Assessment Pack

Assessment Objectives

Reading

AO1: Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas. Select and synthesise evidence from different texts.

AO2: Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views.

AO4: Evaluate...